Oscillating system entraining axial flow devices

ABSTRACT

Devices benefiting the deceleration or acceleration of fluids by augmenting rotor-differential-pressures using rotor-phase-locked shear-plane pressure waves, and influencing system hysteresis and fluid-vector-shear through pulsed feedback, and resonance. These oscillations being generated by rotors embodying means  48  to engender waveforms conferring efficiencies through optimized vectors, and extended laminar boundary layers.  
     A method of entraining such oscillation systems using the lubricity-masked passage through the axial shear plane of resonator-sequences  75 , embodied within a rotor of spiral cam curvature, transiting at such rates-of-change of co-ordinate and phase as can enhance rotor differential pressures, improving energy interchange.  
     A method of boundary layer scavenging using system hysteresis and phase- and topology-corrected shape-change to create traveling harmonic pressure waves  86  on the rotor tail.  
     Methods using shape-change artifacts to improve alignment of force vectors, confer resistance to compressibility, reduce vorticity, noise, wake rotation, and confer expanded laminar flow.

BACKGROUND—FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to the field of acceleration or deceleration of fluids including gasses using horizontal axis rotation of impulsive or propulsive means to impart or extract kinetic energy. It also relates to the study of animal modes of locomotion using oscillation of, or wavelike deformation of propulsive surfaces. It thus has application to prior art in the field of propellers, impellers and turbines using annular or ring type impulsive elements. Of particular interest is the following prior art of: Sugden, U.S. Pat. No. 3,504,990; Haussmann, U.S. Pat. No. 547,210, axially elongated helical propulsive and sustaining devices as in Butow, U.S. Pat. No. 1,015,540; Clark, U.S. Pat. No. 3,221,702 discloses means of generating thrust through wave-like deformations of a vehicle body; Ljungstrom, U.S. Pat. No. 1,868,113 describing blade elements deployed along a curve that is substantially a centrifugal catenary.

[0002] It additionally relates to the mathematical study of time-based harmonic oscillating systems, as well as to the related mathematical study of waveforms as in the analysis of electronic signals, as well as certain aspects of the wave equation as it relates amplitude, frequency and length of waveforms to energy content in the physics of wave systems. Also of particular interest is the classic scientific literature relating to waveforms and their resonant interactions: “Theory of Oscillators”—Dover Press—by A. A. Andronov, “Music, Physics and Engineering”—Dover Press—by Harry F. Olsen, “Fourier Series”—Dover Press—by Georgi Tolstov.

[0003] Additionally, it relates to the work of several pioneers in the academic study of computational models of fluid dynamics of undulatory and flagellar locomotion, a field of specialization of the study of Biological Fluid Dynamics. The most important of these is Sir James Lighthill. His book “Mathematical Biofluiddynamics”—SIAM 1975—embodies several concepts that have important bearing on the following methods, in particular his examination of large amplitude flagellar hydrodynamics. Also in this context, I refer to the work done by Massachusetts Institute of Technology's “Robotuna” project that documents the considerable energy savings possible using mechanical analogs of flagellar hydrodynamics.

[0004] Finally, it relates to important recent key developments in the study of periodic energy transport mechanisms such as resonance, structure, and oscillation in fluid dynamic turbulence phenomena:—“Turbulence* by U. Frisch, Cambridge Press—

BACKGROUND—DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

[0005] Presently all efficient axial fluid flow devices in general use are based on the propeller. All such devices function by accelerating or decelerating fluid mass using blades mounted upon a horizontal axis that is subsequently rotated. Due to the differences in rotational velocity of blade elements at the differing radial locations of such a blade, various locations therefore encounter flow from various directions.

[0006] As is evident in FIG. 1 of prior art, these blades need therefore to be continuously twisted as well as variously shaped along their length in order to compensate for these differences in velocity and vector 10 of the oncoming flow.

[0007]FIG. 2 demonstrates that since the resulting fluid force on the blade at a given location is approximately perpendicular to the direction of local flow, this twisting results in physical forces whose directions vary in their usefulness in providing the intended axial change of momentum of this fluid.

[0008] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 3, since the force on any blade section varies as the square of the local velocity, most purely axial thrust of fluid in the swept disc—in the case of the propeller—occurs in a relatively small annulus close to the blade tips 12 where fluid dynamics recognizes unavoidable flows that result in loss of thrust and formation of tip vortices 14 that due to their unfavorable directions, continuously dissipate kinetic energy.

[0009] As shown in FIG. 2, since drag due to—and induced by—lift in any tipped foil results in an increase of fluid acceleration—induced downwash 15—inboard of the tip to offset the pressure lost to vortex formation at the tip, the disadvantageous helix angles 16 of the inboard portion of the propeller disc spills significant energy by twisting the slipstream 18 out of desired axial alignment. This loss is much beyond that of the drag caused by that fraction of wake rotation caused by tangential force resultants and slowed material entrained by purely frictional entrainment of rotation.

[0010] In the case of the wind turbine, this highly loaded annulus 12 additionally imposes the characteristic highly uneven retardation on the flow, causing significant swirl and other compensatory flows resulting in the well-documented spillage of over half the theoretically available kinetic energy.

[0011] These vortex flows 14 themselves also have the disadvantage of having very high rotational velocities with resulting turbulence and low pressures that additionally occasion different design constraints in different applications:

[0012] Ship's propellers—High tip velocities causing cavitation in the tip area causing destructive interblade harmonics, vibration, resonance and blade erosion, appendage and hull resonance

[0013] Airplane propeller—the propeller is primarily speed limited by the severe drag rise of the transonic boundary layer separation shock wave induced by the tip flows exceeding the speed of sound at even moderate subsonic velocities and occasioning noise and buffet

[0014] Helicopter blade—even though the helicopter disc is not purely an axial flow device it nevertheless encounters similar constraints: vortex noise, blade slap due to vortex buffeting and harmonic and resonant oscillations due to rapidly changing differential pressures across the disc due to uneven pressure distribution.

[0015] Additional important factors that state added sources of loss of efficiency that affect the conventional propeller are:

[0016] The inescapable fact that due to said blade dynamics, the slipstream contracts significantly before and after it leaves the theoretical disc of actuation—the Froude Disc of Momentum Theory 19—that represents the rotating blades 20. This is seen as a significant inflow at the propeller tip 22, and locally out of alignment with intended axial acceleration. This has the effect of diminishing the size of the effective actuator disc and so decrements the mass that it can accelerate from its theoretical value.

[0017] Also, since the propeller works by generating differential pressures across this disc area, a sharply contracting slipstream implies lower pressure differentials 24 across the disc than an increased effective actuator disc size would generate.

[0018] Since—according to Momentum Theory—efficiency is developed, and measured by the momentum change involving the highest possible fluid mass using the smallest possible velocity change 26, this unopposed contraction—or its expansion in the case of the turbine—, is a source of inefficiency in the conventional propeller.

[0019] An important structural limitation that results from this blade fluid dynamic that detracts from efficiency is the fact that structurally, a thin, twisted rotating strip of metal somewhat akin to a single prong long tuning fork—of low natural frequency—, has low resistance to centrifugal, torsional, resonant and harmonic oscillation and so needs a massive and fluid-dynamically inefficient blade root.

[0020] An additional fact is that the requirement of adequate starting performance combined with good cruise performance occasions cruise speed efficiency compromises caused by the propellers stated severe design constraints.

[0021] Yet despite their shortcomings, propellers enjoy the considerable advantage of a precise method of design that has allowed a long history of incremental improvement and increasingly high precision of manufacture, in an engineering discipline where minute variations of shape have surprisingly large effects on performance. This method of design represents a continual refinement of theories that have been in existence for most of a century.

[0022] One of these theories in wide use—the Blade Element Theory—analyzes velocity vectors and viscosity coefficients of individual blade sections at successive blade radii and computes the entire propellers parameters by integrating the individual parameters of these elements.

[0023] Instead of using the plane aligned with vectors of predominant flow, most of these attempts to model actual blade flows compute changes of momentum along helices inscribed on surfaces of revolution generated by blade element motion as reference datum.

[0024] Although no systematic analysis of actual three-dimensional vortex formation is made, a well documented database of empirical values for secondary flows provide the correctional factors that enable today's high correlation of theoretical and experimental values.

[0025] Importantly, these methods use the model of a rigid foil moving in Euclidean space experiencing linear and constant values of free stream velocity without a time-based rate of change reference frame.

[0026] They do not formally model the well-known three-dimensional vortex flows, a known source of propeller inefficiency.

[0027] These methods function by analyzing conditions of time invariant steady-state lift on rigid foils generated along helices scribed on surfaces of revolution as shown in FIG. 4a. They are thus not well adapted to analyze forces resulting from other propulsive mechanisms, particularly those of nature. Here all such mechanisms involve oscillations and flexing of propulsive elements undergoing variable rates of change. These are undergoing such changes as become evident when sectioned by reference planes aligned with their primary axis of motion as shown in FIG. 4b.

[0028] For this reason, all previous attempts to introduce mechanical analogs of such motions of nature as propulsive devices to the marketplace have suffered from the lack of design tools allowing depth of analysis and precision of manufacture, and have—thus far—been commercial failures.

[0029] The art of fluid mechanics presently does not have such tools. As three-dimensional secondary flows are not at present fully mathematically modeled, translation, sliding, flexing and undulation are also not rigorously understood to acceptable standards of engineering practice. The economic investment necessary to generate such theoretical models of nature has not yet been made.

[0030] The reason for this is that a fully rigorous analysis of three dimensional flows involving the computational complexities of the changing boundary layer are out of the reach of any at present widely accepted tools.

[0031] Yet any motion that involves undulation as generated by rotation of propulsive means involves highly complex compound motions involving changing reference frames and boundary layer interactions that pose severe analytic difficulties using state of the art design tools.

[0032] Historically, there have been many attempts to introduce devices based on the animal model of locomotion to accelerate or decelerate fluid in the attempt to improve upon the propeller. In particular, many of these have attempted to generate relative motions along various versions of the spiral of changing radius. The patents of Haussmann—1895—and Sugden—1970—in particular showed the structural advantages of spiral foil segments joined at their tips.

[0033] Such devices, especially the Sugden device, could even demonstrate improved efficiencies in comparison to the propeller.

[0034] Such devices in rotation, however, use:

[0035] Continuously varying rate of change of lift coefficient, (angle of attack)

[0036] Continuously shed vortices attendant to such change in angle of attack

[0037] Constantly changing foil geometry like camber, length, thickness,

[0038] Constantly changing compound sweep,

[0039] Constantly changing flow directions not aligned with a surface of revolution—the theoretical plane of analysis—

[0040] Constantly changing boundary layer differential shear with vectors not aligned with the primary dynamic flow field,

[0041] Constantly varying viscosity coefficients,

[0042] Rapid reversal of motion,

[0043] Rapid reversal of vortex spin (Karman Vortex Street)

[0044] Rapid alternation of lifting surface orientation to the flow field,

[0045] Rapid reversal of flow direction

[0046] Rapid reversal of bound vortex spin direction

[0047] Rapid reversal of lift circulation co-efficient

[0048] This latter parameter is the very basis of the classical theory of lift. Any design that cannot determine this circulation cannot determine the force of lift. If lift cannot be determined, foil orientation is not precisely possible. Without formulated precision of causal relationships, repeatable effects become difficult to achieve, as these causal relationships have not been firmly established.

[0049] As such, these factors generate daunting complexities using the above-described conventional tools of analysis.

[0050] These classical tools of theoretical analysis do not have ready methods to account for rate of change. They are optimized for the analysis of rigid foils engaged in steady-state lift, using idealized time-invariant paths relative to idealized non-deformable Euclidean solids.

[0051] Since it is well observed that fluid masses do, in fact, deform elastically and move in waves that demonstrate continuous rates of change of kinetic potential, any such devices' exact shapes could not be formulated to acceptable standards of manufacturing repeatability, as a precise and well-accepted method of accounting of such change was not available.

[0052] What all of these attempts lacked, therefore, was a mathematical model of their mechanism of function. Without such a plausible model, they could not hope to compute the indispensable parameters that are the prerequisites to any analysis of factors such as the velocity vectors, viscosity coefficients and thus pressure distribution—among others—that are the modeling parameters of modem fluid dynamic engineering practice.

[0053] Without these parameters, such attempts were limited to intuitive experimentation and as commercial devices could not hope to overcome the considerable empirical theoretical database of a highly refined engineering practice employing many decades of incremental data refinement.

[0054] Without theoretical framework, the steady evolutionary pathways to such incremental refinement were thus barred.

[0055] Thus even a promising design had therefore to be subjected to an exhaustive and economically forbidding trial and error process.

THE PROPOSED INVENTION AS AN ADVANCE IN THE STATE OF THE ART

[0056] To overcome these difficulties, I have during decades of experiment and mathematical modeling evolved a method of analysis of animal modes of locomotion involving oscillation and flexing of body and propulsive surfaces that uses the plane containing the primary axis of locomotion as well as the plane containing flexing vectors as the reference datum plane of analysis.

[0057] This method additionally employs mathematical methods of waveform analysis and the physics of systems of oscillation containing parameter equivalents for inductance, resistance, capacitance, and resistance to flow rate-of-change—hysteresis,—to determine phase and rate-of-change of bodies engaged in wave-mediated transformations.

[0058] In these methods, flexing bodies including fins and wings are examined for rate-of-change differential motion normal to and along their neutral axis or mean camber line, using the wave differential equations of motion for this analysis. Since this is the novel theoretical basis of these methods and devices, a description of the terms of this theoretical basis is in order.

THEORY OF OPERATION

[0059] In the case of such differential motion, the body section is deemed a “Soliton Meta-Element”, a mathematical concept of convenience that derives from the notion that a physical form engaged in a phased rate-of-change wave-form metamorphosis has an effect beyond its momentary physical effect, but is part of a meta-phenomenon of orbital flows of a larger time based soliton wave process which extends on the time axis ahead of and behind it.

[0060] This concept provides a theoretical framework for the analysis of fish and bird propulsion, as well as any other fluid induced oscillation. This includes such widely divergent phenomena such as flag waving or flutter, wind dune formation, soliton tidal surges, tsunamis, vortex induced resonance, or any other oscillation of natural flows and their effect on physical surfaces. As shown in FIG. 4c, all such motion is characterized by the rhythmic undulations of vector fields as well as the body shapes that give rise to them. Both display the characteristic progressive phases of a periodic waveform.

[0061] As is well documented, this waveform extends well behind the undulating body itself into the characteristic regions of accelerated central flows bounded by standing vortices of alternating polar rotations called Karman vortex street.

[0062] As is shown in FIG. 4d, any fluid dynamic object, whether rigid or flexible, however physically shaped, is accompanied by this time-based periodic fluctuation of dynamic flow. Here the flow has additionally equipped a flagpole with closely adhering standing vortices 27, allowing fast-moving air particles outside a kinetically economical passage by conserving their momentum through pressure recovery.

[0063] This results in the characteristic teardrop shape statistical contours of the time averaged dynamic flow field, containing within its borders these lubricity—and shape-conferring secondary flows.

[0064] The frequency of flexion of the “tail” of this flow field is documented to be closely related to the resonant frequency and hysteresis parameter, which acts as a kind of flow ‘memory’ of the oscillating system, which in turn is related to the diameter of the flow field. This closely relates to the observed vortex shedding frequency.

[0065] In view of these established facts, and without making any claims to scientific rigor or attempt to quantify the role of other mediating fluid dynamic functional mechanisms such as propulsive surfaces, Meta-Element theory uses the following working hypothesis as a central tenet:

[0066] 1. The Meta-Element is arbitrarily defined as the time-average statistical contour of demarcation of the dynamic flow field. All parasitic secondary flows such as boundary layers—whether turbulent or laminar—or separation bubbles, or envelope shaping standing vortices, are averaged during a full cycle of major Karman vortex flexion. It retains data on the Fourier expansion of the periodic waveform for the major cycle. It abstracts energy content from the integral of exponential envelope maxima 28 of amplitude and frequency terms.

[0067] 2. It posits that if the mean chord of such Meta-Element fluid dynamic body envelopes—or their elements, with or without fins—, undergo flexions of known period that allows such bodies to progress along paths that have the contours of such a periodic wave of known wavelength, it is the phase plane spiral parameters of this wave that give precise information on the its velocity as well as the energy cost of this body motion

[0068] 3. As is well documented in the above scientific references, these parameters include, but are not limited to, wavelength, frequency, amplitude of flexion and the term ‘tension’, expressing that statistical shape's resistance to amplitude attenuating fluid interactions. Since the fluid medium provides viscous damping, the phase plane orbit of generation is generally shown to be a curve of the family of logarithmic spirals in the inertia bound flexions of nature.

[0069] 4. Information about local values of energy content in the form of thrust needed to overcome local viscous drag is inferred from the parameters of the spiral of wave form generation, which are abstracted from the parabolic envelope of the maxima of this expanding wave 28, as shown in FIG. 4c.

[0070] This waveform is examined for wavelength, frequency, and amplitude. The transverse changes are sampled at the requisite interval to result in a Fourier expansion analysis to obtain harmonic wave components. The waveform envelope is then examined to obtain oscillation-damping factors reflecting kinetic energy expenditure due to fluid friction.

[0071] Finally, a phase plane portrait of the oscillation results in the extrapolation of orbits of generation most frequently embodying logarithmic spirals reflecting the momentum transfer of this process of natural frequency harmonic fluid oscillation system, of which the fluid dynamic body is only a single part.

[0072] In this way does wave form analysis, and the physics of oscillating systems result in a drag component for the body, or body element. From this, and the other known parameters of viscosity (Reynolds number) a co-efficient of drag is deduced.

[0073] Next, a time averaged full wave cycle representation of the contours of this fluctuating flow field is developed in the form of a vector field derived contour map.

[0074] This provides the mean chord and envelope co-ordinates of a theoretical rigid foil element with ascertainable parameters of drag that can then be used to calculate the velocity and pressure gradients prerequisite to the calculation of dynamic forces.

[0075] The resulting forces as calculated from these parameters are now transferred to the underlying surfaces and corrected for their differential orientation using a variant of conventional Blade Element Theory. This process is repeated for an adequate sampling of wave phase sequences so as to constitute a full Meta-Element periodic cycle.

[0076] In providing these previously missing parameters, the process-oriented concept of the Meta-Element becomes useful as the bridge concept, enabling use of more conventional tools of time-independent methods of analysis. This permits employment of well-tried pressure-velocity oriented tools such as those of Helicopter Blade Element analysis. These are well used to fluctuating forces, compound motion, and harmonic artifacts.

[0077] Also implicit in this wave-based perspective on Meta-Element fluid momentum-impulse interchanges is the concept of systems of harmonic oscillation, wave artifacts, hysteresis based flow inertia and resonance that are well understood by experts in the sciences of acoustics and electrical engineering to provide some of nature's greatest opportunities for economies of effort expended to results achieved.

[0078] Additionally, since the Meta-Element in motion on both dimensions of the totality of axial planes is an expression of a time series waveform with its harmonics that in its operating cycle encloses a volume 94 as shown in FIG. 13c, it opens the possibility of using the normally unavailable out-of-phase potential kinetic energy of periodic harmonic oscillation of this resonantly coupled volume of fluid mass.

[0079] This is accomplished by correctly phasing impulse trains from the Meta-Element cascade of successive passage to benefit from the momentum of phase shifted fluid elastic rebound 59 exactly as it occurs in nature, as is shown in FIG. 8e.

[0080] Thus it is a corollary assumption implicit in this working hypothesis that if the Meta-Element of any inanimate body of similar drag is made to imitate such wave contouring metamorphoses—irrespective of the particular mechanism employed in the faithful reproduction of such spiral based motions—that such impulses will cause it to transmit—or become the recipient of—the force impulses attendant to fluid momentum changes of roughly similar magnitudes.

[0081] That such an assumption is plausible has been demonstrated by experiments such as the above mentioned project called “Robotuna”, involving mechanical reproductions of such motions using complex systems of electromechanical actuators and flexible membranes, in which definite reductions of drag-to-thrust have been documented.

[0082] It is the entrainment of such spiral-based systems of oscillation polarized to act primarily upon fluid stream tubes moving on the axial plane using the combined means of rotation of a rigid rotor segments embodying the subsequently described mathematically derived shape sequences, and the vector-shear masking lubricity of the boundary layer, that are the central feature of this proposal.

DESCRIPTION OF SOLITON META-ELEMENT HYPOTHESIS IN THE CONTEXT OF PRIOR ART

[0083] In order to describe this mechanism, a simplified schematic oversight of certain scientifically documented features of fluid dynamic phenomena become necessary at this point.

[0084] As is shown in FIG. 5b, any embodied fluid dynamic shape—here a rotating saucer shaped toy called “Frisbee” that provides lift is accompanied by a field of flow vectors denoted by so-called streamlines that delineate local fluid motion. The main features of this vector field are:

[0085] 1. The dynamic flow providing the pressure differentials that generate useful forces

[0086] 2. The frictional adhesions including standing vortices 30 entrained by this body

[0087] 3. The roiling vortex wake, here shown exaggerated for clarity of exposition, representing the lost frictional energies that are the cost of sustaining such motion.

[0088] Surrounding this body is an exceedingly thin membrane 31—the so-called boundary layer—comprising an envelope of very slow, closely adhering and viscously entrained fluid particles that provides a lubricating interface. This boundary layer enables a kinetically economical passage for that vast majority of much faster particles of high kinetic energy making up the so-called dynamic flow that is the actual generator of the pressure differentials that create useful forces.

[0089] This film, in normal established flow, thus has minor influence on the direction of the inertially dominant prevailing dynamic flow beyond simply decelerating it, as its primary role is that of insulating the inertially dominant dynamic flow from the frictional drag of the underlying surfaces of differential velocity.

[0090] As this mechanism involves many layers of fluid of random motion viscously sliding over each other, its main function is thus understood to primarily compensate for differences of velocity, and to do so with relative disregard of the layer-bound directional divergences, or ‘vector-shear’ of this underlying flow.

[0091] This phenomenon is illustrated by the flight of the rotating Frisbee, whose dynamic flow field is here illustrated. Even though most of its surface is moving in directions at variance with the path of its flight, the phenomenon of lubricity-masked directional ‘vector-shear’ nevertheless enables the characteristic dynamic flow field that enables all linear dynamic flight.

[0092] Using such admittedly arbitrary functional divisions of the classic flow field, where no such clearly defined boundaries can exist from moment to moment, Meta-Element hypothesis thus stipulates that the Meta-Element be defined by and identified with major cycle time averaged statistical contours of the dynamic flow field 31.

[0093] As such, all parasitic frictional and secondary envelope-shaping flows, irrespective of their ultimate causes, are deemed included inside these outer contours.

[0094] Such a view conveniently ignores some observations of fluid dynamics that show no such clearly defined distinctions in any moment of time.

[0095] As a working assumption, however, it confers the considerable benefit of enabling the conceptual, theoretical and functional dissociation of the flow field from its previous associative identity with a collocated singular object: the fixed linear Blade Element. This association can now be transferred to any—or all—means that create such periodic wave cycle dynamic flow contours, no matter whether such means employ a singular or successive embodiment, or serial substitutions of phased sequences of embodiment.

[0096] As long as such means fulfill the function of creating cyclic hysteresis based flow contours, they thus could well include sequenced successions of such singular objects as blade elements of subtly varied shape sequences.

[0097] This hypothesis thus implies that, since oscillating dynamic flow, as expressed as a topological vector field and its wave-cycle statistics, is an outcome of time continuities of morphological border contours, but does not derive from any identity with a collocated underlying singular material substance, it is the phased sequencing of embodied contours for hysteresis based oscillation itself that actually create those dynamic dispositions of oscillating flow.

[0098] Such phased sequencing itself then becomes a proximate cause of the generation of useful forces.

[0099] This would hold true even for rigid blade elements that are known to be subject to cyclic resonance and flutter instabilities.

[0100] Thus, using the Soliton Meta-Element, the function of generating, maintaining and directing flow dynamic force fields could now—hypothetically—be taken over by a precise procedure of time sequenced, smoothly transitioning serial embodiment substitutions, sliding through the axial plane in space quadrature motion.

[0101] Such sequences, their transitions suitably disguised and thus minimally perceptible to dynamic flow, will be experienced by the hysteresis parameter ‘memory’ effect of oscillating system dynamic orbital flow as the sustained ‘presence’ of a coherent periodic process. Since this ‘presence’ can move in both dimensions of the axial plane, and can also embody any desired shape-change process, or orientation-change or velocity-change, such processes could thus amend some of the previously described problem syndromes attending the fixed geometries attending ‘blades’ in present use.

[0102] They can do this by using lubricity and hysteresis to embody the sequential shape-changing Meta-Element cycle on the axial plane and thereby entraining a companion soliton pressure wave made of orbital flows constrained by dominant inertia to move parallel to this plane.

[0103] This meta-phenomenon can thus move in desirable axial plane directions at any desirable rate, by simply vectorially dominating the helix-oriented motion of their intermediating form-conferring cascade of physical ‘resonator’ embodiments and thus be liberated from certain constraints imposed by fixed rotational geometries.

[0104] The effect of this would be the actual physical disengagement of the orbital flows of the special wave system that fluid dynamicists refer to as ‘the bound vortex’—which is the prerequisite to useful forces—from its theoretical orbit along the plane parallel to the collocated helix-oriented blade element mean chord.

[0105] The difficulty of achieving this effect by means of rotation, however, lay in determining the precise effect of the momentum transfer of space quadrature motion upon the differential vectors of the boundary layer itself in its influence on the dynamic flow.

[0106] If this momentum transfer could be quantified, and mechanisms to compensate for, and thus ‘steer’ these influences could be developed, the Meta-Element ‘hysteresis effect’ would conspire to make the relative influence of the requisite vector-shear upon fluid motion along helices in the planes of rotation substantially ‘disappear’ for the dynamic flow, and ‘reappear’ for it in the form of axial plane momentum change in both dimensions.

[0107] But unless such influences could be ascertained to adequate levels of reliability, no other prerequisite design parameter, whether derived of wave function or of conventional fluid dynamic practice, could be meaningfully analyzed to existing standards of engineering practice.

[0108] As this latter point touches on the pivotal area in the development of spiral based wave devices, I have created computer models and physical prototypes that have quantified such influences. These examine hysteresis-parameter relative motion on both phase-corrected dimensions of the axial plane. To schematically illustrate the mechanism employed to create such motions, I refer to FIG. 5c. For the sake of conceptual clarity I omit for now the out-of-plane influences derived from lift and turbulence.

[0109] A series of helically aligned physical elements 32—embodied in a half loop of centrifugal catenary curvature 33 mounted upon a rotating cylinder-transits the plane of primary motion.

[0110] In the process of this transition, the fluid strata moving parallel to the axial plane ‘memorize’—via the system hysteresis effect—the history of a single element passage as a sustained ‘footprint’ 34 of the geometrical intersecting rectangle 35 of this passage.

[0111] A full series of such rectangles—not shown here to provide visual clarity—progressively create an enveloping contour 34 made up of the axial flow particles local to these rectangles having acquired the axial plane momentum of this displacement.

[0112] These displaced energetic particles outside of the lubricating film accompanying the helical element, being thus insulated from deflection by reason of their own relatively greater inertia, can thus acquire no substantial impetus to deflect them from their stratum of dominant axial motion. A full nose-to-tail sequence of such physical elements passing through the axial plane constitutes a ‘frame’ or ‘footprint’.

[0113] This momentarily memorized ‘footprint’ is deemed a phase fragment of the Meta-Element.

[0114] As is shown in FIG. 6, as the physical element descends through the axial plane in its helical orbit, moving parallel to the plane of rotation 39, the ‘footprint’ of these helically oriented physical elements 36 transits the axial plane keeping even pace with a given region of fluid parcels that move aside to accommodate their widening envelope.

[0115] A sequence 38 of such elements is preceded by a lead element 40 that has been generated via topological transformation from the helically transposed plane co-ordinates of a series of phase fragments incrementally completing passage past this location in phase-oriented space 42.

[0116] This lead element is permanently linked to its own series of Meta-Element phase fragments.

[0117] As a new helical lead element enters the plane, it defines the nose of its new series of Meta-Element phase fragments comprising the old series minus the preceding trailing fragment, plus the new lead Meta-Element fragment.

[0118] This repeated process in its effect on hysteresis bound flow ‘memory’ is thus similar to the mechanism of the film animation frame series, where a sequence of filmed still images uses the inertia of time-bound neuronal processes to achieve similar ends in visual memory.

[0119]FIG. 7 illustrates this concept. An incrementally consecutive Meta-Element phase fragment series is designed to follow the contours of a periodic standing wave. This will result in the actual physical orientation of the intermediating helically aligned physical elements by means of helical transposition.

[0120] The operating angle at which the Meta-Element meets oncoming flow is thus a function of compound waveform, path wavelength 44, intercepting the shorter incidence wavelength 46.

[0121] As it is a well-documented prime prerequisite for the efficient development of high forces that this angle be kept a constant as possible throughout the operating range, these proposed devices make use of a polynomial function for a cosine wave that includes the full complement of Fourier series odd numbered harmonics. This periodic wave can also be generated by segments 45 of a Spiral of Archimedes.

[0122] This motion generates constant operating angles of inflow, except at the short reversal sequence, where the Meta-Element ‘changes tack’, i.e. reverses its orientation to the inflow.

[0123] 1. A full 360-degree cycle thus constitutes a full cycle Meta element.

[0124] 2. An integral harmonic subcomponent of this wave within the frequency range of natural eddy formation—known to fluid dynamicists as Strouhal number—is superimposed in the form of a harmonic sub cycle sequence 48 generated by using a phase plane parabolic envelope of maxima 50 for the harmonic component transpositions of increasing amplitude affecting the aft portion of the mean camber line.

[0125] Additionally, the judicious use of soliton wave front and Meta-Element axial progression 52 in the case of turbines, or retrogression 54 for propulsive applications, permits the resulting forces to be purposely directed by design to bring about greatly enhanced final efficiencies.

[0126] These differential pressures—as calculated from these vectors supplied to conventional helicopter blade element ‘vortex’ theories—are sequentially transferred to the corrected local tangents of the passing physical surfaces of the associated helix based physical elements. This transfer involves a computer model using a calculus of variation around parameters of differential helical and axial plane dynamic flow interactions. This varies factors of influence such as differences in orientation, length, camber and coefficients of force.

[0127] Finally the vector-shear based momentum transfer of the boundary layer is computed using a variant of the differential equations of Navier-Stokes using the previously described periodic forcing function.

[0128] The effect of this momentum transfer on the orientation of the Meta-Element shear plane is finally ‘steered’ by stabilizing it through the variation of the major out-of-plane force modifiers such as sweep and pressure gradient in an iterative recursion.

[0129] In summary, the precision permitted by the use of the rate-of-change based Meta-Element allows the determination of the vectors, and force co-efficients that are the prerequisite of predicting performance.

[0130] Using this model of wave system mechanics as the very conceptual foundation stone of the design method of the proposed invention, the resulting parameters of various types of wave motion showed that the use of oscillations generated by the Spiral of Archimedes provided the design of Meta-Element motion optimized and even pressure distributions across its face annulus.

SUMMARY OF SOLITON META-ELEMENT FUNCTIONAL ADVANCE

[0131] To explain schematically the advantages conferred by the ability to detach the Meta-Element flow field pressure wave from the underlying physical surface, I refer to prior art as show in FIG. 8.

[0132] Here a conventional wind turbine flow field—redrawn from the contours of an actual photograph of the wind tunnel streamlines as delineated by smoke trails—is compared with the flow field of the Meta-Element based axial plane spiral based system of oscillation.

[0133] The conventional air turbine generates power by creating a well-documented highly turbulent, noisy field of enmeshed, interlocking masses of turbulent air that counter rotate 64 in a self-reinforcing system that persists far downstream.

[0134] The impulse of blade passage upon the inertially interlocked incoming axial stream tube of initially exclusive axial momentum that generates this phenomenon thus creates an intermittent angular momentum reaction that is related in magnitude to these sharp impulses 58 of episodic angular acceleration of single direction.

[0135] The blades of this turbine encounter air that is therefore already in the process of accommodating itself to this rotation in a phenomenon well known to designers of such devices as ‘blade cascade interference’. This effect manifests itself in detrimental inflow vectors 56. This concept is metaphorically similar to the idea of birds of passage flying in the sinking air of their preceding leader, rather than laterally displaced, in their classic V formation.

[0136] Another metaphor would be idea of letting the angular kinetic energy imparted to a rotating toy disc on a string—a ‘Yoyo’—in the form of angular momentum to go to waste, rather than use it to cause the disc to climb back up the string.

[0137] By contrast, the wind turbine designed according to Meta-Element time series polarized oscillation creates the classic low-turbulence Karman vortex street, the source of the documented unequaled efficiency of creatures of nature.

[0138] Here, as shown in FIG. 8e, the Meta-Element turbine converts linear fluid momentum to angular impulse reaction by first detaching the Meta-Element pressure wave from the underlying physical element train and then sliding it along the spiral ‘cam’ embodied by this resonator element cascade. It does this by causing the dynamic flow of the Soliton Meta-Element relative motion to effectively ‘disappear’ from the rotational plane and reappear on both polarized wave orbit oriented linear dimensions of the axial plane.

[0139] It accomplishes this by varying the interplay of the major parameters of influence that determine Meta-Element wave period, harmonic overtone, shape, orientation and thrust as well as the boundary layer influences that determine Meta-Element orientation. Finally, it largely neutralizes tangential components of force by phase referenced counter rotation, if necessary.

[0140] The effect of these axial plane velocity and acceleration vectors then attach to the inclined surfaces in the form of dynamic differential pressure patterns that create tangential forces by acting at right angles to the inclination of these surfaces.

[0141] In this fashion is unidirectional helical motion converted to precise bi-directional Meta-Element spiral based fluid oscillation polarized to result in particle orbits substantially parallel to the axial plane.

[0142] Thus does the potential energy contained in the moment of momentum of the oscillating fluid reaction mass become available to the phase-shifted cascade of successive passage.

[0143] The benefits of such a scheme is manifold:

[0144] 1. Fluid reaction masses arrayed in the highly patterned, coherent and low turbulence Karman wave-vortex pattern—as shown in the upper portion of FIG. 8e—are documented to rapidly widen and attenuate, thus involving a higher reaction mass with a lower mass specific impulse, unlike the propellers high specific impulse's counter rotating turbulent wake which forms a self insulating system that continually dissipates kinetic energy and persists in time.

[0145] 2. A highly patterned system of bi-directional time-series oscillations can be exploited by the Meta-Element free to move in both dimensions of the axial plane by choosing the timing of succeeding passages to occur out-of-phase 59 as in FIG. 8e, recapturing some of the kinetic energy potential of the oscillating inflowing reaction mass and thus conserving more kinetic energy of the air tube as a whole. A similar effect is used in nature by all migrating birds as well as schooling fish that benefit from reaction pressure waves created by their neighbors, as this is a form of ‘free’ energy. The effect of this for the Meta-Element turbine is a significant increase in torque per fluid momentum loss through beneficially shifted force vectors 60. This is schematically shown in the relatively attenuated wave/vortex system downstream.

[0146] 3. Unlike a propeller, which imparts sharp, episodic, and staccato impulses 58 on that axially arrayed limited mass of fluid confined to the immediate vicinity of its operating disc of actuation, the Meta Element, in its oscillating motions simultaneously and synergistically interacts with a much greater fluid reaction mass that has been set in polarized resonant oscillation in all axial planes of the azimuth. Thus the Meta-Element device spreads its impulse load to a much greater mass volume resulting in a smooth, non-pulsing surge 53 analogous to a spiral gear-rack conjugation, when compared to the spur tooth pulsations of single tooth engagement.

[0147] 5. Finally, a turbine employing a soliton wave engendering Meta-Element progressing axially forward 59—against the ambient fluid stream—will generate significant increases in differential pressure intensities resulting from this vector addition as this wave front ‘apparent’ velocity will be significantly higher than ambient stream velocities. If the resulting higher pressures act on intermediating helical surfaces that can be adequately oriented, the resulting beneficially shifted force vectors 60 provide greatly expanded torque per given fluid momentum loss, permitting highly unusual values of torque per unit of drag.

[0148] Thus does the working hypothesis of the Meta-Element provide the promise of improved propellers and turbines that provide significantly higher ratios of torque per unit of drag.

[0149] Since the functional mechanism of these proposed devices—the Meta-Element in its complex interactions—involves unusual processes and methods that are the province of both the physics of oscillating systems as well as the linear, time invariant analyses of fluid mechanics, it becomes important to inform the reader of the terms, goals, means and strategies that are the basis of these methods.

[0150] 1. Meta-Element hypothesis conceives of all bodies—whether rigid or not—that are interchanging impulses with fluid mass momentum as sharing contours with a dynamic flow that has the character of a non-linear damped pressure wave system that can be expressed as a Fourier series periodic function. This periodic function includes those harmonic subcomponents that produce the characteristic resonant vortex shedding at the tail. This entrains periodic vertical flexion of the vector field that cycles within hysteresis based system frequency response. It views the phase plane integral spiral curves of this oscillation as primary information source for values of local viscous friction.

[0151] 2. All fluid dynamic bodies are therefore deemed an integral part of a phase locked oscillating system involving fluid masses exhibiting the fluid dynamic equivalents of resistance, capacitance and inductance. Since the particles of such masses move in elliptical or circular orbits, such oscillations interchange angular momentum with such bodies, and thus have mechanisms to conserve this angular momentum. But as is shown in FIG. 13a, since any rigid object—especially a rigid tail—cannot accommodate itself to the high frequency motion of the small wavelength harmonic component sub orbits, it develops an interfering phase lag with the prime wave component, causing these disordered high frequency energies to precipitate into rapidly pulsing vertical moments 61 at the tail. This results in the formation of a surface of discontinuity that acts as a barrier to the phase path continuity of particle orbits. Significant high frequency moment of momentum of the bound vortex is discharged into this surface of discontinuity, creating a highly concentrated area of dissipation through small scale turbulent intermixing. This phenomenon distorts the waveform, and degrades oscillation rebound based mechanisms of energy conservation through phased elastic energy recovery.

[0152] 3. As is shown in FIG. 13a, the conventional propeller is additionally burdened by a secondary consequence attending this surface of discontinuity, as the divergent flows 61 of the upper and lower surfaces fail to rejoin at the trailing edge and so develop distortions of the surface of discontinuity that terminate in medium scale vortices containing high levels of lost energy.

[0153] The wake of fishes is known to contain much smaller amounts of vorticity and turbulence, allowing them their observed unequalled efficiencies. Thus, strategies here outlined include Soliton Meta-Element tail flexion to re-export lost capacitive energies to the flow, restoring the coherence of the oscillating system through feedback of lost short wavelength harmonics.

[0154] Meta-Element hypothesis thus sees the induced wake losses of the rigid tail conventional propeller as being the result of an unintended conversion of significant energies of impulse to disorderly angular momentum.

[0155] This, in turn allows the coherent wave attending lift to become disordered and so to discharge some of its moment of momentum into a cascade of chaotic flows of decreasing scale. This generates useless heat and sound. In doing so, it also provides a ready escape for the waste of meaningful amounts of kinetic energy that might otherwise remain available.

[0156] It is the primary goal of these methods to interrupt this particular causal chain.

[0157] The strategies used here involve systems of oscillation, using compound periodic waveforms that provide the Soliton Meta-Element constant values of angle-of-attack and thus constant circulation of lift.

[0158] These strategies, however, use the momentum transfer of fluid shear properties of the lubricating boundary layer as the principal enabling mechanism.

[0159] This layer's behavior in flows containing shear-in-vector and turbulence is unfortunately not presently fully modeled by the scientific community.

[0160] Thus, the possibility existed that these strategies, however promising, might well lack insight on some unexpected detrimental interactions.

[0161] For this reason I set out to build such a device. I first generated the unusual co-ordinates by computer program. Because of paucity of means I confined the design to radial motion. This design also did not include the harmonic spiral sub oscillation, or axial motion.

[0162] However, this prototype construction of an electrical fan using a propulsive element made by these methods showed good correlation with the predictions of this model and provided significantly greater airflow, thrust, coherence, less near and far wake turbulence as well as significantly less noise than the commercial fan blade it replaced.

[0163] Precise measurements of electrical consumption, velocity and near and far wake area show significantly greater mass airflow per torque with a blade not incorporating above mentioned boundary layer scavenging features.

[0164] These proposals in light of the above problems:

[0165] In order to be able to disclose the forthcoming precise functional basis of these concepts, some contextual background becomes necessary at this juncture:

[0166] Despite their shortcomings, conventional propeller based devices do what they do more efficiently than their contemporary competition.

[0167] They do this primarily through their ability to accelerate a comparatively large mass of fluid using only moderate and thus relatively efficient impulses and lift coefficients. In this manner they minimize the pressure losses attendant to all other devices that use relatively large and inefficient impulses on small amounts of fluid.

[0168] The proposed innovation extends this idea even further. It also operates on large masses of fluid. But it operates completely unlike a heavily tip-loaded blade, which intermittently imparts sharp energetic pulses of varying radial intensity to local axial fluid stream tubes and then leaves the locality entirely for the rotational part cycle until its return.

[0169] This imparts the characteristic clapping noise, pressure pulsations, and vortex formation with counter rotating inner core, induced drag and sharp velocity variations, flow reversals and pressure peaks of the wake.

[0170]FIG. 8 shows the well-documented axial plane portrait of the cause of these phenomena.

[0171] The proposed Archimedes' Spiral based devices work by employing an entirely different operating principle, somewhat similar to a rotating spiral worm gear 53 that imparts constant smooth linear impetus to its conjugate gear rack using the increased contact area of many helical teeth—rather than the intermittent high force-pulsations of a single spur tooth 58—their analogous physical rubbing contact prevented by a layer of lubricating oil.

[0172] Analogously, the described vector-shear-masking lubricity artifact of polarized axial plane motion generated by the Meta-Element dominates in vectors that generate mainly soliton pressure field propagation on fluid inertially enchained along the axial reference plane.

[0173] Here it exceeds in magnitude those tangency vectors that incur mainly viscous shear drag.

[0174] Thus, the pressure topology of any reference axial plane—at any given time—must reflect such dominant motion vectors, as the analogous lubricating boundary layer substantially insulates the axially dominant flow momentum from being deflected out-of-plane by the shear drag of sliding motion that is the original cause of this artifact.

[0175] Here, the wide pressure field in any given axial plane as represented by streamline vectors reflects mainly this Archimedes Spiral based oscillation of even velocity as shown in FIG. 8.

[0176] Thus, the stream tubes proceeding parallel to any given axial plane in the proposed invention constantly remain within the influence of the transiting phase sequence of the Soliton Meta-Element as it travels at constant speed and constant angle of attack. All other axial planes simultaneously experience the Meta-Element in different synergistic phases.

[0177] In all such planes, they experience neither the entire absence of the Meta-Element from their locality of influence at any moment, nor significant pulsation nor therefore intermittence of impulse, thus generating less noise and compensatory vortex flows.

[0178] All other coaxial strata are simultaneously experiencing the Meta-Element in complementary phases traveling at the same speed and angle of attack.

[0179] Therefore, all fluid stream tubes in the whole of the annulus swept by the centrifugal catenary half loop embodying the Meta-Element experience an analogous constant non-pulsating and relatively evenly distributed surge 53.

[0180] As a basis of ‘Momentum Theory’—oriented comparison of propeller blade vs. proposed improvements, this method thus proposes the employment of smaller impulses on a greater fluid mass, and therefore gains the greater thrust at the expense of a given level of torque.

[0181] The second source of functional improvement over the conventional propeller derives from the fact that the propeller blade cannot avoid pressure differences at the various radial stations of the blade, thus generating most of its thrust in a small annulus close to the tip of the blade as shown in FIG. 1. The unavoidable consequence of having to assign loads close to the very end of the blade 12 are the documented significant losses through the arising of tip vortices and their ultimate secondary effect of induced wake rotation.

[0182] The proposed invention avoids this problem in its entirety by:

[0183] 1—Using an absolutely even distribution of pressure field propagation velocity of the Meta-Element caused by its Archimedes' Spiral Cam-induced radial and axial excursions—not in the rotational but the axial plane—. A high and even velocity across the axial plane predicts even and correctly aligned pressure loading across most of the annulus, thus minimizing cross flows. Additionally, a significantly greater portion of torque is converted to thrust through the improved resultant vectors in the axial direction.

[0184] 2—Eliminating blade tips. As a given local companion Soliton pressure field constantly follows the reversing spiraling Meta-Element back and forth, it lacks the opportunity to discharge potential energy into conventional tip vortex formation. The starting vortex of reversal 55 that is generated is of much smaller intensity, as the phase shifted successive passages attenuates it. Without significant tip vortex formation, less induced downwash wake rotation 64 together with improved element orientation 60 combine to significantly reduce wake corkscrew, pulsation and noise.

[0185] Summary of this Compound Motion:

[0186] The thin lubricating sheath of the boundary layer combined with the inertia of coherently oscillating flow ‘memory’ of hysteresis substantially prevents the rotational motion of the catenary half loop embodying the spiral cam and sequence of helical resonators from deflecting the dynamic flow.

[0187] Therefore the Meta-Element presents the inertially dominating preponderance of local plane axially aligned fluid,—itself resistant to angular deflection reaction by reason of its overwhelming inertia—, with the sustained presence-in-time of a slippery shape-changing obstacle, moving along both dimensions of the axial plane of motion as shown in FIG. 8.

[0188] To accommodate its passage axial stream tubes have no other choice but to divide around it in the classical pattern of high and low velocity flows that generate the differential pressures of lift.

[0189] Since a local soliton orbital oscillation propagating on the axial plane experiences the transition of successive ‘resonators’ sliding through its plane as a local moving shape in the process of shape transformation, this ‘virtual’ shape animated by the transiting resonator-train never leaves its inertially coupled axial plane fluid stratum.

[0190] Thus, the temporarily contained differential pressures generated by the high and low velocity stream division—have no opportunity to discharge. This is much unlike the case of the propeller where the containing surfaces—i.e. the open propeller blade tip—suddenly leaves entirely.

[0191] Here they can implode into a high velocity tip vortex, precisely at the location where the sudden appearance of the highly loaded propeller tip is followed by its equally sudden local disappearance.

[0192] As there is no open tip, there are no preconditions for pressure-induced wasteful, implosive vortex flows

[0193] This analogous containing surface in this case is the smooth reversal of the helical resonator cycle of the Meta-Element animating the local flow field.

[0194] This succession—even the tip reversal sequence—remains a part of the inertially interlocked axial-plane-oscillation in its unceasing recapitulation of the spiral cam generated wave cycle.

[0195] The third source of improvement over the conventional propeller based device deals with the phenomenon of the boundary layer itself.

[0196] In any foil generating lift, the dynamic flow surrenders some of its kinetic energy to envelop what it sees as an obstacle to its smooth flow with an appropriate lubricating envelope.

[0197] The fluid particles that make up this envelope are few at the nose of the foil and slide over each other in smooth ‘lamina’ 41 generating low drag as shown in FIG. 10.

[0198] Soon however, depending on prevailing viscosity,—through the mechanism of frictional entrainment—these intermix and accumulate to a thick envelope of violently turbulent particles 21 that are continuously losing momentum to heat and creating large scrubbing drag coefficients. This boundary layer export of frictional drag is thus concentrated toward the tail.

[0199] At some point of their passage particles lose enough momentum to lose their resistance to random motion, especially in conditions of low viscosity. Here they start to oscillate and impinge on strata of different energy levels and even reverse their motion, pooling in a time-based accumulation at the trailing edge.

[0200] This phenomenon increases drag through the mechanism of violent vortex-based intermixing of layers of different levels of retardation causing high velocity scrubbing of the surface and thus high frictional drag.

[0201] In conditions of high lift, or high Mach number and thus adverse pressure gradients, boundary layer material accumulates on the back of the suction side of the foil and eventually flows backward, forming pockets of accumulation.

[0202] This ultimately causes the dynamic flow to detach from the surface, resulting in premature loss of lift, high drag and premature stall.

[0203] Even using moderate operating lift coefficients, the wake of a conventional propeller contains a wide band—‘vortex sheet’—of this slowed material roiling with spiraling eddies which ultimately rolls up into large diameter tip vortices causing the well documented losses due to induced drag.

[0204] A Main Design Feature of the Innovation:

[0205] The accumulation of boundary layer material can thus be appreciated as the main constraining parameter of design of all lifting devices. Without consideration of the boundary layer, the practice of fluid dynamics would not be possible.

[0206] Thus the very conceptual foundation of the proposed invention's designed mode of operation is the attempt to influence the development and extent of this layer. These concepts analyze the relative retardation of this slow moving layer as a tidal flow, time based and cumulative.

[0207] As shown in FIG. 13c, the proposed invention uses this property of the relatively slow accumulation of such material to advantage by presenting the pervasive low pressure field existing ahead of and all across the entry to its swept annulus area with the rapidly shifting sides—and isobars—of the propulsive element going through its sharp spiral reversals. Rapidly shifting isobars predict less tidal cumulative flow of boundary material, as it is sustained pressure differentials over time that is on of its prime causal factors.

[0208] The underlying physical surfaces sliding through a given axial plane of the virtual element do in fact entrain additional boundary layer particles and thus generate additional viscous drag, but these experience neither steady nor uniformly adverse pressure gradients, as they constantly encounter rapidly changing pressure gradients. This encourages larger regions of laminar flow, which exhibits much lower drag than turbulent flow and can thus more than compensate for the effects of this additional shear velocity.

[0209] As is shown in FIG. 7 the traveling wave sequence of spiral corrugations 48 on the after body of the physical surfaces,—the Meta-Element phase fragments—additionally impart a wave train of transverse flexion of the virtual element tail section.

[0210] They employ that requisite Fourier harmonic hysteresis based wave frequency and amplitude and expanding wavelength that can scavenge boundary layer accumulation through means of a traveling pressure gradient.

[0211] They additionally use the geometric distributing action of the high frequency transverse flexion of the tail tip. This deforms the ‘sheet of discontinuity’ of FIG. 13a into corrugations that help to prevent slowed boundary layer segregation by physically distributing it to large regions of dynamic flow.

[0212] Absent a steady unfavorable pressure gradient, the conditions for tidal boundary layer accumulations are also relatively absent. Hence, more lift for less viscous drag.

[0213] As becomes evident from FIG. 10, any such boundary layer control—here enabled through the novel sliding interaction with axial plane polarized oscillating system orbits 51—is well known to practitioners of the art of fluid mechanics to present opportunities of operating with drag coefficients that can be a small fraction of those lifting foils operating with mostly turbulent boundaries.

[0214] Additionally, it has been proven that such boundary layer ejection—using any available method—allows the generation of unusually high lift coefficients before flow separation. Well-documented experiments with a belt 65 as shown in FIG. 10 moving in the direction of flow allowed angles of attack approaching 90 degrees before stall. Removing such material by suction 52 has been proven to achieve similar—though less dramatic—effects.

[0215] In these proposed devices, such boundary layer effect is implemented by superimposing an integral harmonic waveform with an exponentially expanding envelope limiting amplitude and wavelength on the tail section of the Meta-Element. The resulting harmonic wave motion contains tailored energies to overcome expected viscous losses.

[0216] This envelope is constructed as specified by the differential equation governing the term of viscous dissipation gradient of the mathematics of oscillating systems. This waveform of exponential maxima envelope 66 progressively affects only the aft envelope median of the Meta-Element as shown in a visually exaggerated schematic in FIG. 10. The actual affected area is generally limited to the aft half chord of the tail section itself.

[0217] The resulting hysteresis parameter oscillation harmonic subcomponent results in a traveling ripple 86 of FIG. 11 along the tail of the virtual element 82 at steady or increasing velocity and amplitude.

[0218] This wave thus acts in the manner of a peristaltic pump by creating a traveling pressure pulse referenced to relative Meta-Element chord percentage at a speed referenced to local dynamic stream velocities that forcibly conveys slowed boundary material back toward the rapidly flexing tail of the Meta-Element.

[0219] This latter action widely distributes this slowed material to regions of the free stream that have the energy potential to readily reaccelerate it. This effectively thins the wake through four mechanisms:

[0220] 1—These traveling spiral corrugations of the Meta-element tail section reconcile the boundary layer velocity differentials shown in FIG. 13a involving the upper and lower rejoining streams through their equal velocity pressure wave propagation

[0221] 2—The hysteresis based high frequency of vertical flexion which attenuates natural periodic eddy formation—Strouhal Number—by preempting their motive cause, the accumulation of slowed boundary layer material

[0222] 3—The geometrically extended trailing edge with its vertical component of motion—and physical orientation—benefits thrust vectorially from the unequal lateral components of the flows above and below the trailing edge and

[0223] 4—The extra physical trailing edge length resulting from the spiraling wave train terminating in trailing edge diagonal corrugations enables greater momentum transfer due to a physically wider admixture of the upper and lower flows—as mediated by the longer interface of these rejoining flows of differing lateral and axial velocities above and below the camber neutral axis.

[0224] This has the effect of a momentum transfer based substantial interlocking, enmeshing and reconciling of these two flows of inequality of axial and lateral momentum by minimizing and physically disrupting the insulating and separating barrier sheet of discarded highly turbulent lubrication—the ‘vortex sheet’—of FIG. 13a that normally bars this re-enmeshment.

[0225] This action substantially reduces this thin sheet of wake discontinuity made of shed viscous boundary layer material that normally separates laterally and axially divergent upper and lower flows.

[0226] If these rejoining flows have less divergence of axial and lateral momentum, such smaller residual differences may well cause significantly less local axially oriented vortex development and its associated turbulence and drag.

[0227] Since this is a phenomenon well documented in the wake of fish, such strategies may well also benefit these proposed devices in an analogous fashion.

[0228] A further significant benefit is the restoration of the energy conserving mechanism of the wave oscillation, which depends on the phase completion of integral particle orbits 72 as shown in FIG. 11 that make up its motion. Since all harmonic wave components of wavelengths shorter than the Meta-Element will be prevented from completing their natural orbits as a consequence of physical passage, only such proposed Meta-Element harmonic flexion can reconstitute these missing harmonic components. Such a scheme prevents the precipitation of this ‘disturbance of passage’ into the disordered flows attendant to rigid tail passage.

[0229] Benefits of this Novel Solution:

[0230] As this vortex formation caused by vector divergence of rejoining flows is also documented to be implicated in the causal chain of tip vortex formation, this novel method of boundary layer control theoretically affects every term of drag and loss of lift known to the science of fluid mechanics.

[0231] If only in their intent, these design strategies and mechanisms thus can well be viewed by practitioners of the art of fluid mechanics to present several promising opportunities for a purposeful intervention in the causal chain of all energy-robbing vortex-based turbulent flow, including the tip vortex,

[0232] Such purposive procedural intervention—no matter what its ultimate degree of effectiveness—agrees well with academic theory that promises—and has experimentally proven—unusually large benefits from any method of removing tidal boundary layer accumulations.

[0233] The employment of the momentum transfer of the sliding resonant element train for these novel pressure wave artifacts could not, however, be contemplated by an academic model using rate-of-change invariant rigid foil theory.

[0234] Prior art inventions that did not decompose axial and transverse velocity changes resulting from oscillation dynamics into phase plane parameters of wave frequency, propagation gradient, amplitude and envelope analysis, containing rate-of-change vectors, could not promulgate such procedural design elements, nor state their degree of expected benefit.

[0235] Summary of Expected Boundary Layer Control Benefits in the Reduction of Drag and Increase of Lift:

[0236] I now summarize the benefits of the proposed invention's methods of boundary layer transport with the following points of reference:

[0237] A thinner boundary layer is well documented to be under relatively more molecular viscous stress so that its capacity for transverse oscillation and elastic rebound is viscously constrained. Its velocity gradient normal to the surface is thus less steep so that its capacity for transverse excursions—a proven primary causal factor in the genesis of turbulent flow—must thereby be lessened. If so lessened, theory predicts comparatively greater extents of low-drag laminar flow.

[0238] A shear-stressed, thin boundary layer is additionally less liable to early transition into turbulent flow states as its field of opportunity—large pools of accumulated boundary layer material with low inertia—is smaller.

[0239] Importantly, operations under conditions of high lift can be expected to improve dramatically if the boundary layer is given less opportunity to stop, reverse, and accumulate—a primary cause for breakdown of the dynamic flow and subsequent catastrophic stall or transonic buffet. Higher maximum coefficients of lift thus become theoretically feasible.

[0240] Freed of some such design constraints, this additionally makes possible the development of novel, smaller, lighter foils of higher lift coefficients, optimized for low drag cruise conditions with maximum thickness and camber well aft of current practice in these applications.

[0241] In a further advantage, the traveling skin ripple 86 created by the high order harmonic of the basic wave form creates fluid parcels traveling at local stream velocity, bounded by wave crests that inertially insulate these parcels from the other such parcels upstream so that these are less likely to infect them with resonance instabilities and flows that once set in motion, are difficult to stop. This additionally reduces drag by expanding the extent of laminar flow.

[0242] In such a manner—through the simple sequential variation of shape sequences, inherent in the concept of the spiraling propulsive element—do the most important parameters affecting lift and drag come under the control of the design process rather than—as previously—the design needing to adapt itself to previously deemed inevitable and irremediable negative byproducts of the generation of lift.

[0243] That these shape variations may be subtle to the eye may make them no less effective in producing profound changes perceptible in—and to—flow as proven by the observed improved operating parameters measured in the prototype construction of this proposed invention.

[0244] These procedurally derived shape variations have thus proven to be of benefit in responding to losses caused by phenomena previously thought unamenable in man made devices.

[0245] Additional Novel Benefits of Unprecedented Drag Reduction:

[0246] A significant and novel element of advance promised by the design procedures of the proposed invention has to do with the ability of these methods to expressly design pressure gradients into the pressure recovery section of the virtual foil by means other than the conventional variation of pressure gradient, namely by the export of precise quanta of energy into the boundary layer by the exponentially expanding traveling wave 66.

[0247] Thus, until now, velocity profiles due to after-body shape and their resulting pressure gradients were the sole means of accommodating primarily boundary layer mediated phenomena.

[0248] These boundary layer scavenging methods now offer an additional technique to the designer of these devices resulting in new families of foil sections characterized by thinner and shorter laminar flow foils, shorter recovery sections, with optimized resulting force vectors and less drag.

[0249] Benefit of Novel Solution to Slip Stream Contraction Disadvantage:

[0250] Another novel element of advantage of the proposed invention has to do with the phenomenon of the contraction—or expansion in the case of the turbine—of the slipstream 22 as shown in FIG. 3 that is a source of efficiency losses in the conventional propeller-based devices.

[0251] This contraction occasions another loss deemed unamenable through built-in operating peculiarities of the propeller, and yet is partially remedied and so is made to aid efficiency in the proposed invention through the following unanticipated additional mechanism of benefit:

[0252] As shown in FIG. 8, the Meta-Element benefits from a momentary angular orientation 59 to this inflow, due to the physical orientation of rotor surfaces. This benefits the transitioning Meta-Element significantly through the favorably shifted vectors of the contracting inflow providing it with vectors that the propeller discards. The benefit is three fold:

[0253] 1—The increment of force resulting from the forward axial vector component 60

[0254] 2—The lessened contraction of the actuator annulus—resulting from rotor peripheral surface orientation opposing such contraction—predicts an increment of efficiency through increased mass flow as well as increased peripheral differential pressures across the annulus allowing a higher ratio of torque to drag.

[0255] 3—The purposeful containment of differential pressures at the periphery of the rotor by design substantially eliminates—or at the least ameliorates—the chief cause of excessive induced downwash and thus high levels of induced wake rotation 64 of the conventional propeller. Additionally, since the small reversal tip vortex 45 rotates in space quadrature, it does not reinforce the comparatively small Meta-Element wake rotation 62, which thus can rapidly attenuate. Thus, the Meta-Element wake contains less wasted energy in the form of useless rotation of reaction masses.

[0256] Novel Benefits Through Axial Retrogression—Cavitation and Transonic Flight—:

[0257] A further novel element of advantage has to do with the ability to so vary fore and aft deployment of the hub attachment of arched spiral segments 33 of FIG. 5 that the virtual foil of the Meta-Element of FIG. 7 is given an axial—progression 52 or retrogression-component 54 to its motion.

[0258] In the case of a propulsion device, use of an axial retrogression component significantly improves resultant force alignment with the axis of thrust beyond even its existing advantage, resulting in greater thrust for torque.

[0259] If the pressure wave propagation can be successfully disengaged from the resonant element train by careful adjustment of the parameters that cause proper Soliton Meta-Element axial plane radial orientation and thrust, the highly swept helical element tip sequence will experience apparent inflow neutrality and can thus travel at velocities that would otherwise cause the onset of compressibility phenomena.

[0260] As shown on the lower middle in FIG. 10, the compressibility shockwave 57 phenomena are a function of lift coefficient, as the lower surface in the transonic regime remains relatively unaffected.

[0261] This circumstance allows significantly higher operating velocities, as the helically oriented physical elements can be designed to experience flow neutrality in this region particularly, deriving thrust from relatively energetic tail sequence harmonic motion involving the relatively compressibility-immune aft foil section.

[0262] As forward axial velocity components can substantially diminish, or even actually vanish for the propagating pressure wave, the Soliton Meta-Element can operate in a designed ‘virtual’ velocity regime, where it experiences mostly radial velocities. Here the actual fluid velocity is disengaged from its linear correspondence to pressure through the modification of the local pressure wave. Flight into velocity regimes previously closed to the propeller thus become theoretically possible.

[0263] Transonic flight and higher ship propulsion ‘tip’ velocities and operating loads before the onset of cavitation can therefore become attainable.

[0264] Novel Benefits Through Axial Progression—Turbine Efficiency—:

[0265] In the case of a turbine, use of an advancing axial component results in significant improvements of power extracted from a given velocity of flow through the resulting substantial augmentation of resultant vectors forward shift 60 as well as tangential force vectors allowing higher torque components for a given retardation of flow. This predicts greater percentages of kinetic energy extraction from a given mass flow, using inner rotor counter rotation to offset any excessive air stream twisting moments.

[0266] This velocity and vector augmentation additionally favors power extraction from low wind speeds, as the Meta-Element apparent inflow velocity is greatly increased. Here, the air mass interacting with the turbine will experience significantly less momentum loss per increment of torque than the comparable conventional turbine through the redirection of force resultants so made possible.

[0267] Novel Benefits Through Actuator Volume Mass Flow Increase:

[0268] Any conventional turbine's performance as a device that collects torque in exchange for some of the momentum of a theoretical tube of air of rotor diameter extending ahead of it is calculated with a variant of “Momentum Theory”.

[0269] This theory substitutes a mathematical abstraction called “actuator disc” for the propeller's plane of rotation in order to circumvent the theoretical difficulties inherent in analyzing the extremely complicated interdependence of flows across this interface.

[0270] This theory's well proven expression for efficiency uses the geometric size of this actuator disc area together with mass velocity change in an equation that can be summarized as follows:

[0271] “The device using the greatest possible actuator disc area to effect the smallest possible mass momentum change has the greatest efficiency”.

[0272] From this point of view the Meta-Element turbine with its greatly increased actuator disc virtual array 92 of FIG. 13 enclosed in a volume 94 of fluid and additionally counteracting its radial expansion predicts much higher efficiency from the terms of this equation.

[0273] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 13b, the tube of air approaching the conventional propeller disc with its highly flow retarding pressure distribution, as well as its greater than ‘flat plate’ form drag co-efficient, must expand to accommodate its severe loss of velocity when it crosses the actuator disc plane.

[0274] This causes the effective tube diameter to decrease from its theoretical size identity with the rotor disc so that only a portion of the theoretical kinetic energy is actually available at the disc of actuation.

[0275] This phenomenon, described by the noted German aerodynamicist Betz in the early part of twentieth century, has been a major factor in the so-called “Betz Limit”, a theoretical ceiling on turbine performance of a given diameter that has yet to be exceeded.

[0276] As becomes evident in by visual comparison in FIG. 13c, here exaggerated for clarity, the Meta-Element turbine—viewed as an obstacle to ambient flow—presents a fluid dynamically more favorable pressure distribution and aerodynamic shape to the approaching air that combine to favor ‘inflow funneling’ 37 and allows greater mass air flow for a given amount of flow retarding force coefficient.

[0277] This novel dynamic combination of features allows it to theoretically exceed such stated previous performance limits.

[0278] Additionally, since this proposed turbine constrains radial expansion of the approaching flow by means of such inflow funneling, it stabilizes any directional wind instabilities—such as yaw—though its negative pressure feedback mechanisms, which act in the manner of an aerodynamic duct.

[0279] Such yaw correction ability is of considerable benefit, since the conventional propeller based turbine operates mostly in conditions of yaw that is known to impose severe performance and stability penalties.

[0280] Accordingly this feature provides an added unanticipated solution to a previously deemed irremediable negative byproduct of the generation of power from axial flow.

[0281] Novel Benefits Due to Structural Shape:

[0282] The last advantage of the proposed invention has to do with its shape.

[0283] As shown in FIG. 9, an enclosed, highly triangulated rotor shape with its mutually supportive A-frame arches close to centrifugal catenary curvature offers a natural rigidity, comparatively high natural frequency and intrinsic resistance to dynamic, harmonic and centrifugal forces.

[0284] It does not need a massive blade root, as it experiences primarily tension throughout its operating envelope. It encounters little bending, torsion or blade tip interference phenomena.

[0285] Thus, its design has less need to compromise with structural consideration and can thus be much lighter, thinner and thus fluid dynamically efficient throughout its length, if so required.

[0286] As a water propeller, this design offers built in resistance to foreign object fouling and cavitation without the need to sacrifice any efficiency to do so, unlike the conventional ‘weed-less’ propeller.

[0287] Due to its non-injurious shape, it can be used in certain applications previously closed to open tip propellers.

[0288] Additionally, its novel layered manufacturing methods 114 as shown in FIG. 23 allow minute air entrainment to further reduce friction and susceptibility to cavitation.

[0289] As it generates very little blade impulse phenomena and so is relatively immune to interblade interference, it can be located closer to hull or appendage, permitting increased diameter and thus even additional efficiency as replacement rotor in existing applications.

[0290] Novel Benefits of Unprecedented Scalability and Economic Cost-Benefit:

[0291] As the wind turbine rotor segments of centrifugal catenary shape display high natural frequency and rigidity, they offer high resistance to strong or variable wind, and tower turbulence. As such structures are subject primarily to tensile forces, they can be scaled to unprecedented physical size—and therefore economic viability—.

[0292] Novel Benefits of Public Acceptability:

[0293] The Meta-Element turbine generates a low, steady, non-staccato noise footprint. Due to its unprecedented lift over drag ratio, it operates economically in lower as well as higher wind speeds than conventional turbines. It thus makes possible extremely cost efficient installations and provides the beneficial local esthetic value of an organic sculptural form of soothing sound, pleasing and restful motion and therefore likelier widespread public tolerance.

[0294] These novel benefits thus offer unprecedented, and—in the light of present and prior art—unexpected cost benefit ratios.

[0295] Conventional turbine blades have very low natural frequencies, as they are made of very slender, elongated, thin, unsupported strips of flexible material.

[0296] These are intrinsically less resistant to torsion, experience high bending moments, high centrifugal stress and thus incur high levels of alternating stresses, resonant oscillations, flutter and fatigue.

[0297] Due to their length to mass ratio, large wind turbine blades are thus akin to a very long—and very expensive—resonant single prong tuning forks with intrinsically high root loads, susceptibility to inertial coupling instabilities and so present formidable engineering challenges. They have very low angular velocity and so need expensive gear trains with their own sensitivity to inertial shock and resonance.

[0298] They thus need equally expensive measures to compensate—such as upwind location, employment of expensive exotic structural materials and methods of manufacture, complicated pitch changing mechanisms or teetering arrangements and massive blade roots with their weight and losses of efficiency.

[0299] Additionally, such wind turbines are notoriously difficult to control in regard to output regulation or resistance to high or variable winds and must often simply be shut down. Their noise, lack of esthetics, lack of wide public acceptance—and marginal economic basis—has prevented their wide-scale adoption in areas of less than high average wind velocity and low population density.

[0300] Thus they are located away from population centers and are limited to the few high wind locations that have adequately low property value or population density.

[0301] They thus impose the additional expense of long distance electrical distribution on their economic cost basis.

[0302] Due to these factors—using the aforementioned relatively wasteful and expensive strategies—has a free natural resource of almost unlimited potential for the production of low cost energy that does not pollute nor generate greenhouse gasses, thus far produced only marginal and limited benefit to society at large.

[0303] Summation of My Solutions to Present Wind-Generation Problems:

[0304] To summarize the novel—tangible and intangible—benefits of the proposed turbine:

[0305] If the world-wide stated public policy goal of wide-scale adoption of environmentally beneficial, cost competitive energy production methods could be viewed as achievable not only as the result of the development of economically successful devices offering tangible cost-benefit,—but also by offering such strategies that successfully address those intangible considerations affecting public acceptance and embrace, then these proposals will be seen to certainly offer improved tangible cost benefit of unprecedented degree.

[0306] But they additionally offer unprecedented and unanticipated solutions to those intangible cultural and socio-psychic values difficult of measure, which are documented to affect public readiness to embrace change itself.

[0307] They do this by offering a pleasing novel colorful iconography of moving organic forms, curves and spirals that has the esthetic appeal of a colorful kite, as well as a notorious, uncontroversial, unobjectionable and well-understood universal benefit.

[0308] If such qualities then help to confer to these wind turbines the unquestioned notorious benefit and lack of controversy of trees, or large physical objects of art, so that they might also—unlike the devices of prior art—enjoy the public acceptance—and ubiquity—of trees, monuments and sculptures in public places, then these novel intangible qualities of esthetics In combination with their other benefits might also be seen to offer a unanticipated solution to the previously intractable public resistances and irremediable barriers that have so far prevented such wide adoption.

[0309] To Summarize Schematically the Foregoing Background Exposition:

[0310] If turbines and propellers of present technology and proposed prior art are considered to be offering methods based on strategies and procedures of generating thrust—or torque—, these conventional methods offer procedures that passively tolerate:

[0311] A severely fluctuating and wasteful pressure field propagation velocity,

[0312] Resulting in wasteful force orientation and

[0313] High torque for low thrust in propellers—or high drag for low torque in turbines—

[0314] High boundary layer entrainment,

[0315] Wasteful, turbulent vortex sheet of discontinuity,

[0316] Strong, turbulent tip vortex,

[0317] Actuator disc contraction,—or expansion in turbines—

[0318] Limited lift coefficient,

[0319] Early transonic compressibility drag,

[0320] Induced wake rotation,

[0321] High levels of lost energy deposited as turbulence and noise.

[0322] High Cost of manufacture

[0323] Low esthetic value

[0324] Low public acceptance and tolerance

[0325] In contrast these novel concepts offer a methodical procedure of using oscillating system hysteresis to create polarized pressure wave orbital flows through successive embodiment sequences of resonator elements to create:

[0326] Procedurally induced—not passively tolerated—

[0327] Pressure field propagation direction and velocity

[0328] And procedurally induced—not passively tolerated—

[0329] Boundary layer entrainment

[0330] These procedures have been demonstrated to be a direct—empirically derived and measured—answer to a scientifically documented problem syndrome of interrelated phenomena that stand in a cause and effect relationship.

[0331] It thus becomes my aim to demonstrate to the reader in the following exposition that these strategic procedures—in all their methods and strict sequence—are as essential to the accomplishment of my stated goals in the field of axial flow devices as any other strict procedures in any other human field that depend on the achievement of stated aim through establishment of causal chains.

SUMMARY

[0332] These above described methods and their resulting devices thus specifically create, maintain, and benefit from the resonance, capacitance, and hysteresis of flow of specific classes of oscillating systems in fluid.

[0333] They do this specifically by restoring through feedback the energies expressed by the logarithmic dissipation decrement of such a system as calculated from the wave equation.

[0334] They make use of the intermediating artifacts of hysteresis flow ‘memory’ and the lubricating boundary layer to create the time-based meta-phenomenon of bound vortex particle integral orbits detached from underlying surfaces through procedure, and reoriented—and anchored to—the axial plane.

[0335] They do this by the metamorphosis of lubricity-enabled shape-changes via rotation through the axial plane of serial substitutions of a combination of specialized shape sequences that are effected by:

[0336] A mathematical cam shape derived from certain waveforms that assure substantial linearity of the momentum of integral wave orbit; that further allows high specific pulse clocking density to assure major cycle phase lock through forced system feedback

[0337] A physical resonator sequence affixed to this cam that transits the plane of actuation in such a fashion as to restore all minor harmonic wave component orbital flows; establish harmonic cycle phase lock to preserve linearity of flow and assist in the wave's momentum conservation processes; assist in maintaining low friction laminar flow by creating a hysteresis-enabled traveling pressure wave along the tail of the element that ejects boundary layer accumulations.

[0338] A hysteresis-based oscillating Soliton Meta-Element process, which is expressed by the disposition of the fluid dynamic vector field as defined and affected by statistical phase cycle contour changes of the dynamic flow around the above intermediating physical devices and the physical wave integral orbit flows that are the consequence of such oscillation.

[0339] The above physical devices guide this wave metaphenomenon through precise timing of their shape sequence transitions, and also by influencing the forces that cause it to deviate from the effective axial plane.

[0340] This procedure, in the aggregate, has the effect of interfering with the causal chain of massive pressure losses attendant to the devices of prior art by major-cycle phase-locking and so enmeshing those previously wasted high frequency potential energies of moment of momentum in the near wake.

[0341] Additionally, the elimination of the pressure leaking open tip moderates the episodic axial plane discharge of differential pressures.

[0342] A further benefit of this detached pressure wave travel allows forward and rearward axial movement of the Soliton Meta-Element relative to the axis and plane of rotation, allowing closer alignment of the resulting vectors with the desired ideal.

[0343] This results in differential pressures of higher intensity being transformed to higher forces acting in more useful directions, as a response to a given expenditure of force, or given amount of momentum change.

[0344] This additionally has the benefit of transferring the impulse specific load to a much greater actuating volume of fluid, improving efficiency.

[0345] These benefits allow such devices highly unusual lift to drag coefficients.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

[0346] Accordingly, I claim the following as objects and advantages of this innovation:

[0347] To provide an entirely new methodology and system of designing efficient spiral based axial flow devices—and their resulting devices—using a novel mathematical method of computing their dynamic rate of change interactions with fluid, to be described in detail later in this document;

[0348] It is my overriding object to state in detail generally assumed to be irremediable specific losses known to attend axial flow devices of prior art in order to delineate the novel means of providing remedy to such losses not obvious in light of these previously unstated—or unexplained—specific losses of prior art.

[0349] To this effect, I aim to provide the widely accepted scientific background of these losses along with the solutions that my methods provide.

[0350] For this reason, having thus far provided a simplified schematic overview perspective, I now purpose to detail causal chains associated with disruptions of the well-documented momentum conserving mechanisms of wave trains in fluid.

[0351] This reflects the scientific observation that any periodic impulse sequence interaction with fluid occasions time based systems of oscillation that embody mathematically known mechanisms to conserve kinetic energy, as well as linear and angular momentum in this fluid.

[0352] I therefore purpose to detail the advantage of these methods that,—unlike the conventional propeller which interferes with such conservation mechanisms in its path through its theoretical idealized Euclidean solids—, avoid this diversion of reactive wave phase moment of momentum potential energy into a roiling wake.

[0353] Such advantages derive from the well-accepted view that any lift is attended by a phase related traveling pressure wave, and that this pressure wave can move in phase as well as location relationship to the surfaces.

[0354] Proof of this is the phenomenon of jet compressor surge, where the pressure wave can explosively disengage from its assigned axial location, causing possible compressor damage and stall.

[0355] In nature, dolphins ride such pressure waves on the bow of ships; school fish travel at exact wavelength spacing; sailplanes locate themselves in optimal phases of atmospheric standing waves.

[0356] In this light, I state the single most overriding objective of these methods:

[0357] My prime object is to enable the considerable advantage provided by the processes of nature via the laws governing conservation of kinetic energy in fluid interaction—using means of rotation—by presenting precise methods and physical devices that have the specific aim to

[0358] 1. Disengage the pressure wave from a collocated motion with the underlying device singularity in the rotational plane

[0359] 2. Orienting, steering and stabilizing the propagation of this wave so as to cause it to move in both dimensions substantially parallel to the axial plane

[0360] 3. Conserve the elastic rebound potential of this pressure wave

[0361] 4. Benefit from this wave phase elastic rebound through successive passage

[0362] In this sense, it has to be my further object to present terms for such advantageous physical objects and novel processes, that nevertheless reflect by their very nature indistinct,—fluid—boundaries, myriads of mutual influences, and evanescent time scales.

[0363] My further object, therefore, has to be the definition and naming of the novel functional realms of such devices of advantage, whether physical, or procedural, that bring about the above stated aims.

[0364] To this effect, I also aim to differentiate certain important distinctions deriving from the etymology of the historical cognate roots of arbitrary, or accidental, verbal concepts

[0365] Therefore, in the same sense that the concept of ‘aileron’—as being useful to steer airplanes—rather than ‘rudder’—in 1908, had no contemporary legal usage or widely accepted cognate scientific currency, is the word ‘blade’ inappropriate for the rotor segments embodying the advantageous cams and resonators of these devices.

[0366] Thus, to clarify the physical means to subsequently achieve these stated objects, my first aim is to define and name the functional analogs these devices use in a field where the concept of ‘blade’ has this inappropriate connotation.

[0367] As this word has primary cognate roots in the concepts of “parting” or “disjoining”, a physical device that embodies the primary functions of setting in motion, entraining and sustaining wave oscillations can have no such unambiguous connotation.

[0368] These functional analogs employ discrete and specific interventions using physical shape sequences that are embodied in catenary half loops of variable sweep. These physical sequences embody many mathematical curves and have multifunctional roles and divisions of labor:

[0369] 1. A ‘cam’ used to convert angular velocity to linear velocity for the purpose of conducting the pressure wave along desirable directions of the axial plane; the swept shape of this cam additionally functions to modify inflow vectors through sweepback angles

[0370] 2. A sequence of compound wave harmonic component entraining ‘resonator’ elements deployed around this ‘cam’ used to additionally modify the frictional dissipation of the device, as well as to exchange fluid momentum and impulse; also to erect an appropriate fluid dynamic envelope around the time sequence path of this ‘cam’ using shear-layer lubricity and the hysteresis of flow.

[0371] 3. These physical devices together produce the ‘Soliton Meta-Element’, which is a hysteresis-enabled process of creating specific patterns of oscillation and their orbital flows through sequenced shape and position changes. This process has the assignment of mediating and translating the phase related processes of a soliton wave—a pure phased energy form—propagating along time-distorted canonical co-ordinate planes into the particle orbits expressed in Cartesian space. This process involves the fluid oscillating system equivalents of the mathematical terms for resonance, capacitance, inductance and resistance.

[0372] The advantages of devices based on spiral motion are well known.

[0373] They are documented—in principle—to function advantageously under certain conditions.

[0374] They have been accorded patent protection in the past without need to disclose the all-important prerequisite of disengaging the collocated pressure wave.

[0375] They were equally not held to the need to disclose the prerequisite to ‘steer’ its plane of travel, or to define shear-plane interaction, or the advantage of preserving oscillation energies, or to attend to the considerable advantage of generating constant operating angles of inflow.

[0376] It therefore becomes my further object to present the evidence that without interventions by means such as mathematically correct ‘cams’, and precise sequences of ‘resonators’, or a process attentive to wave phase plane motion, the pressure wave and its integral particle orbits cannot be expected to propagate predictably, wave orbits will vacillate in indeterminate helical excursions, and precise physical orientations become unpredictable.

[0377] Devices of prior art that purported to benefit from oscillation, or ‘undulation’, and that yet did not address the problems occasioned by the physics affecting the integral of orbit motion derivatives of the wave equation, as well as the fluid dynamic effects of boundary layer vector-shear on such ‘undulation’ could not disclose their modus operandi in any scientifically rigorous, cause-effect sense.

[0378] Such theoretical considerations are known to form the very foundation of the subsequent calculations of engineering parameters of the design of physical devices

[0379] Without them, drag and lift coefficients become indeterminate.

[0380] Manufacture, as a consequence of a chain of repeatable effects based on cogent analysis thus becomes difficult to achieve as an economically predictable venture.

[0381] Thus it is my object to provide full disclosure of these methods in this document in order to provide anyone skilled in the mathematics of oscillating systems, fluid mechanics and engineering the means necessary to design such devices to the present standard of engineering practice, incorporating the stated advantages of the time rate-of-change based Soliton Meta-Element, embodying Fourier Series wave propagation frequency and harmonic component amplitude exponential maxima envelope gradient, rate-of-change axial plane datum vector analysis and vector optimization.

[0382] In this way, a theoretical computer simulation model embodying these procedures can provide a reliable correlation with actual output using near and far wake flow velocimetry geometries and so offer manufacturers financial decision-making support through immediate feedback for high reliability estimates of return on investment.

[0383] It is therefore my object to demonstrate that this simulation model—and its physical counterpart—will make evident the following advantages derived from the above described elements, advantages which did not appear to me as being offered by prior devices from my study of claims in prior art:

[0384] Greatly diminished induced drag and pressure drag,

[0385] Expanded regions of laminar flow through boundary layer control,

[0386] Significantly less vortex development

[0387] Significantly less rotation of the slipstream,

[0388] Significantly less noise and pulsation,

[0389] Significantly diminished near—and far-wake velocity peaks,

[0390] No significant angle-of-attack variation except at reversal

[0391] Optimized force vectoring through Meta-Element axial progression and retrogression,

[0392] Greatly increased turbine torque per diameter through momentum conservation of the fluid column,

[0393] Phased energy recovery from fluid impulse reaction

[0394] Foil design via pressure recovery optimization,

[0395] Smaller foil recovery sections,

[0396] Smaller foil area per increment of lift,

[0397] Greatly improved resistance to stall and shock wave drag,

[0398] Great resistance to centrifugal and other dynamic perturbations,

[0399] Less structural weight, thinner sections and

[0400] Highly expanded theoretical effective momentum actuator disc

[0401] Inflow funneling through favorable actuator volume form and pressure gradient,

[0402] Very high lift to drag ratios

[0403] The chain of related causes of the problem syndrome occasioning the above design solutions have not been fully delineated in prior art.

[0404] Disclosures of wave devices of prior art also did not consider fully these scientifically well-accepted problems implications stemming from the physics of wave propagation and orbital flows.

[0405] As such, these problem syndromes can therefore—implicitly—not be considered as being remediable in this prior art.

[0406] I thus aim to show the overwhelming advantages that accrue to devices having means of remediation such problems of prior art—implicitly deemed insoluble, or unworthy of solution—to achieve such implicitly unanticipated benefits inherent in these methods.

[0407] I also did not consider these prior art solutions—as defined by their use of tools limited by state of the art phase-invariant, rigid trailing edge, ‘Euclidean Solid’ analytical methods—as offering a generally apparent, clearly delineated design migration.

[0408] Thus, it is my object to show that these strategies and methods provide all of my proposed physical applications the considerable advantages of an improved cost benefit ratio of unanticipated degree.

[0409] My further object is to provide the advantage of computer-aided methods for constructing physical devices of manufacture comprising such advantages.

[0410] Readers will find further advantages and objects of the invention from a consideration of the ensuing detailed description of the actual key mechanisms for assuring the intended plane of actuation, thus the ‘steering’ of the Meta-Element, and the detailed description and accompanying drawings of proposed methods, processes and devices.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIGURES

[0411]FIG. 1 shows propeller dynamics of prior art

[0412]FIG. 2 shows propeller dynamics of prior art

[0413]FIG. 3 shows propeller dynamics of prior art

[0414]FIG. 4 shows Meta-Element dynamics compared to prior art

[0415]FIG. 5 shows Meta-Element dynamics compared to prior art

[0416]FIG. 6 shows Meta-Element hysteresis dynamics compared to prior art

[0417]FIG. 7 shows Meta-Element construction, axial progression and harmonic tail flexion

[0418]FIG. 8 shows Meta-Element dynamics compared to prior art schematics

[0419]FIG. 9 shows Meta-Element resonator elements sequence construction schematics

[0420]FIG. 10 shows boundary layer dynamics and harmonic sub cycle flexion

[0421]FIG. 11 shows Meta-Element dynamics compared to prior art

[0422]FIG. 12 shows Meta-Element schematic design flow chart

[0423]FIG. 13a shows fixed geometry dynamics of prior art

[0424]FIG. 13b shows Meta-Element turbine dynamics and actuator volume

[0425]FIG. 13c shows Meta-Element turbine dynamics and actuator volume

[0426]FIG. 14 shows Meta-Element water propellers

[0427]FIG. 15 shows Meta-Element fixed wind turbine

[0428]FIG. 18 shows Meta-Element rotating element wind turbine

[0429]FIG. 19 shows Meta-Element oscillating element wind turbine

[0430]FIG. 21 shows Meta-Element hydraulic turbine river system application

[0431]FIG. 22 shows Meta-Element hydraulic turbine seashore system application

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0432]10 velocity and vector

[0433]12—pressure distribution

[0434]14 tip vortices

[0435]15 induced downwash

[0436]16 helix angles

[0437]18 slipstream

[0438]19 Froude Disc

[0439]20 disc of actuation

[0440]21 turbulent boundary layer

[0441]22 propeller inflow

[0442]24 pressure differentials

[0443]26 velocity change

[0444]27 secondary flows

[0445]28 parabolic envelope of maxima

[0446]30 standing vortices

[0447]31 boundary layer

[0448]32 helical resonators

[0449]33 catenary cam

[0450]34 hysteresis cycle footprint

[0451]35 resonator fragment footprint

[0452]36 helical physical elements

[0453]37 inflow funneling

[0454]38 physical element sequence

[0455]39 plane of rotation

[0456]40 lead element

[0457]41 laminar boundary layer

[0458]42 reference datum location

[0459]43 Meta-Element stream tube

[0460]44 path wavelength

[0461]45 Reversal or starting vortex

[0462]46 incidence wavelength

[0463]48 harmonic sub cycle sequence

[0464]49 tail section spiral corrugation

[0465]50 parabolic envelope of amplitude maxima

[0466]51 phase plane spiral

[0467]52 boundary layer removal by suction

[0468]53 spiral worm gear

[0469]54 axial retrogression

[0470]55 starting—or reversal vortex

[0471]56 inflow vector force diagram

[0472]57 compressibility shockwave

[0473]58 impulse intensity

[0474]59 phased energy recovery

[0475]60 inflow vector shift

[0476]61 surface of discontinuity

[0477]62 Meta-Element wake rotation

[0478]64 conventional wake rotation

[0479]65 moving belt boundary layer control

[0480]66 exponential envelope of maxima

[0481]70 sine wave particle orbits

[0482]72 cosine wave with odd numbered harmonics series

[0483]74 prior art shape sequences

[0484]75 helically oriented physical sections

[0485]76 fluid inflow vector gradients

[0486]78 axial slipstream oriented sections

[0487]79 phase lag

[0488]80 out-of-plane viscous forces

[0489]81 sweepback angle

[0490]82 resonance cycle pressure gradient wave

[0491]83 major cycle phase lock pulse

[0492]84 plane of actuation

[0493]85 out-of-plane dynamic forces

[0494]86 traveling hysteresis-term pressure wave

[0495]87 forward motion component of axial progression

[0496]88 conventional disc of actuation

[0497]89 axis of harmonic component flexion

[0498]90 actuator disc

[0499]92 Meta-Element actuator volume annuli

[0500]94 Meta-Element solid of actuation

[0501]96 counter rotating tip generators

[0502]98 leading edge cuff

[0503]99 counter rotating body of revolution

[0504]100 air pump

[0505]101 lateral force aerodynamic servo

[0506]102 feathering axis servo motor

[0507]103 tuned mass balance

[0508]104 mixing foil cascade

[0509]105 Meta-Element hydraulic turbine

[0510]106 vented plenum

[0511]108 bi-directional exit

[0512]110 variable pitch feathering axis mechanism

[0513]111 rotatable variable pitch spinner disc

[0514]112 axially oriented stators

[0515]114 layer construction

[0516]115 air entrainment passage

Soliton Meta-Element Detailed Description

[0517] To illustrate the detailed analysis of out-of-effective-plane forces for any wave-based device, I now refer to FIG. 11. All such devices create useful forces by:

[0518] 1. Helically oriented sections 75 aligned with known angular and posited axial velocities, sliding through the axial plane, creating

[0519] 2. Axial slipstream oriented hysteresis-lubricity-artifact ‘virtual sections’ 78 aligned with the slowly twisting slipstream reacting to frictional and dynamic tangential forces.

[0520] It thus becomes the task of analysis to determine the relative predominance and effect of such relative motions, and their fluid particle-relative motion artifacts As only the precise determination of inflow vectors can ascertain whether the device functions as an helical Archimedes Screw or as a wave device relying on sliding interaction with the slipstream,—or as a hybrid combination thereof—, the effect of the device on the angular rotation and velocities of the slipstream must be determined to statistical levels of accuracy.

[0521] Unlike the propeller, where such geometries are fixed, the wave-based device presents relatively much greater difficulties of analysis of flows that by their very nature vary in velocity, direction and time

[0522] As all wave-based devices moving in fluid must—by definition—occasion fluid particle wave orbit motion as a response to this motion, this analysis must therefore include the effect of wave motion on particle orbits affecting inflow vectors.

[0523] Generally, such wave motion may be two-dimensional and very slow—as in the meandering of rivers or long wave oscillations of ships—, or very rapid, and three-dimensional—as in the resonant motions of hummingbird wings or insect flight—where systems of wave trains create highly ordered energies and particle motions that physicists of such oscillating wave systems can model using the higher order differential equations of derivatives of the wave equation.

[0524] As shown in the prior art of FIG. 11, such a wave,—here a simple sine wave—being a system of low and high frequency potential and kinetic energies acting with precise regularity only on the time series phase plane—though not necessarily in Cartesian space—, transmits these energies in a phase related interchange between potential and kinetic momentum to effect actual in-plane particle orbits 70.

[0525] If such interchanges occur in the proper phase relationships, irrespective of the time scale of such interchanges, such systems propagating in fluid become highly coherent and exhibit the harmonic resonance of systems of one degree of freedom, where the square law frictional dissipation causes gradual decay of oscillation amplitudes.

[0526] As all wave-based devices function by creating and benefiting from wave orbital motion, the problem of analysis becomes similar to the process of phased meshing contact of conjugate gears whose paths of rolling contact is specified by phase related equations of motion. Such equations of motion do equally identify the integral of orbit of the vast mass of fluid particles of interaction.

[0527] Thus it is the combined integrals of orbit of the great mass of particles affected by these time dependent energies that make up the actual fluid inflow 76 of wave-based devices. Different periodic waves thus present different inflow distributions.

[0528] It should be appreciated that the computations of this inflow are dependant on progressive states of moment of momentum generating particle orbit 70 of the Fourier series harmonic wave components.

[0529] These waveforms may be simple as in a pure Sine wave 70, or contain the high frequencies of integral harmonics of complex waveforms 72. Additionally, as the frequency spectrum of such a system of oscillation exhibits highly variable resonant responses, these inflows are further affected by these system dynamic parameters.

[0530] As the computation of the expected efficacy of any fluid dynamic device has to start with the determination of the fluid inflow paths in order to properly align its working “blade” sections with the effective plane of actuation—this ideally being the axial plane in the case of wave based devices—it must therefore take into account these time-based flows, as well as the time invariant Archimedes Screw co-ordinate flows that the helically aligned sections 75 experience simultaneously.

[0531] These well-documented facts give an idea of the complexities of analysis facing the wave-based device's basic mechanism of operation, which can be summarized as the difficulties of determining:

[0532] 1. Inflow vector stability

[0533] 2. Plane of actuation tangential increment of motion

[0534] 3. Phase lag stability factor

[0535] As these devices must all function by creating quantifiable and stable states via stable physical planes of interaction with time-based energies, the momentum import upon this plane resulting from the physical surface's sliding shear force and pressure distribution must be ascertainable, lest this orientation become unstable and the resulting tangential excursions of the plane of actuation 84 become indefinable.

[0536] As can be readily appreciated by studying the sequence of fluid dynamic shapes 74 making up the physical sections of such ‘undulating’ devices of prior art, that make use of simpler wave forms, any—even small—excursions of the effective plane of actuation immediately causes a wave interaction with a section 74 that is finitely out-of-phase, a section of a contour that is not optimized for actual inflow vectors.

[0537] If these shapes are designed for motion along Cartesian co-ordinates paths in time invariant space,—rather than the time-attentive, particle-relative co-ordinate based orbital flows attendant to actual waves, all interactions can be seen to exhibit the overwhelming likelihood of phase lag 79.

[0538] Should the plane of actuation 84 as a consequence move unpredictably along with the undefined drag-caused rotation of the slipstream—as it accordingly must—, the effective wavelength of particle orbits must also change indeterminately.

[0539] This imposes indeterminate dynamic loads on the helical sections 75,

[0540] Higher values of turbulence drag and wake pulsation must occur as a consequence, this process entraining further self-reinforcing cycles of drag-based phase lag and additional helical section load.

[0541] As previously described, this effective axial plane section 78 is in turn created by the sliding passage of helical sections 76 designed to be dominated by axial-plane vectors and so to act substantially dynamically neutral for such flow only in steady design operating conditions.

[0542] Should the plane of actuation thus deform indefinably, or develop any indefinable tangential motion, these helical sections will develop further indefinable angles of inflow and dynamic loads.

[0543] This in turn will create indefinable fluid dynamic interactions involving flows of indeterminate vector with fluid dynamic shapes of unknown parameters whose coefficients of force cannot by their very nature be determined, as they are entirely the result of happenstance and therefore—for parameter-based fluid dynamic analysis-entirely anomalous.

[0544] As the effort to produce the database of operating coefficients of efficient families of foil sections can involve man-years of effort by highly skilled engineers, it can be appreciated that the modeling parameters of a single such section—operating in statistically indefinable flows—cannot be easily or economically determined.

[0545] As such a device needs a great multitude of such sections for its continuum of motion, its fluid interactions can be seen to be exceedingly difficult to model using the limited conventional tools of fluid dynamics.

[0546] To overcome these difficulties, Meta-Element hypothesis contains analytical methods to determine the influence of wave system orbital flows on the known hydrodynamic influences affecting slipstream rotation. These latter hydrodynamic influences include:

[0547] 1. Viscous entrainment of the boundary layer exporting momentum to the dynamic flow 80.

[0548] 2. Tangential dynamic forces including the effect of sweep 81 and other force resultants 85

[0549] 3. Tail-section pressure gradients 86 affecting tangential flows

[0550] As these are well-documented forces in ascertained conditions of steady-state flow of known foil sections, it becomes necessary to accurately determine wave orbitally determined inflows in order to be able to make use of such foil sections of known parameter at this juncture.

[0551] Thus the problem of ‘steering’ the effective wave plane by mediating the ‘sliding contact patch’ 78 of the effective plane of dynamic flow interaction is seen to consist primarily of the difficulty of determining the influence of a wave phenomenon defined by the time referenced phase plane upon a process that is defined in a linear, Cartesian co-ordinate plane, Euclidean frame of reference.

[0552] Therefore, in order to assure synchrony of the wave processes occurring in these different frames of reference, the Soliton Meta-Element working hypothesis uses several strategies:

[0553] 1. To ‘clock’ the energy conserving mechanism of a time-referenced system of oscillation, it creates a process cycle—the Soliton Meta-Element—to induce wave phase lock through forced system feedback by means of major cycle 83 and minor cycle—minute-scale—forced resonance pulse 82 attentive to the inductive, capacitive and hysteresis parameters of the oscillating system fluid mass.

[0554] 2. To ensure significant linearity of flow and of ‘circulation’ orbit momentum, it chooses a waveform 72 that provides substantially linear conversion of angular integrals of orbital momentum to linear inflow velocities through the means of the combined orbital motion of a large number of Fourier expansion harmonic wave components.

[0555] 3. Once significant linearity of inflow has been assured, it imports the well researched mean chords and envelopes of foils of known parameter and disposes them relative to these now known particle paths, using conventional fluid dynamic analysis by means of the subsequently translated force coefficients—as modified by local surface orientation.

[0556] 4. To ensure the stability of the effective actuation plane, it uses a calculus of variation of such known parameters attending such resulting forces as affect out-of-plane flows, as well as precise Meta-Element tail pressure gradient reductions 86 through a hysteresis parameter based tail flexion ensuring substantial laminar flow. Along with the purposeful use of such countervailing influences of parameters for dynamic flow tangency as sweep angles and variation of the tangential inclination of harmonic flexion axis 89, does the analysis of stability of the plane of actuation thus become amenable to design procedure.

[0557] This latter ‘Meta-Element tail flexion’ is a key device useful for moderating a heretofore-inflexible parameter dictating the pressure gradient attendant to a foil recovery section shape.

[0558] By using a period of flexion within the hysteresis ‘inertia-memory’ response time of system of oscillation, the dynamic effect of all transverse motion vectors of symmetry 66 cancel, and only a traveling pressure wave 86 is discernible to time-based flow.

[0559] This acts to scavenge accumulations of boundary layer material and ensures the precondition of greater extents of laminar flow.

[0560] This promises a fraction of the viscous drag based momentum transfer to the actuating plane dynamic flow compared to that of turbulent boundary layer tail-sections, as well as assuring steady predictabilities of these forces.

[0561] To mediate this process, the Meta-Element implements these functions by two physical devices that—upon rotation—work together to share this division of labor:

[0562] 1. A cam that—upon rotation—ensures faithful phased meshing with phased orbital flows as modified by fluid acceleration gradients; that also creates precise envelope contours and that—importantly—ensures major cycle phase lock through a highly localized and forcibly clocked phase reversal pulse.

[0563] 2. Resonant element cycle sequences affixed to this cam that restores the higher harmonic wave orbits lost by its own passage, by restituting them via resonant entrainment and by phase locking and rejoining these harmonic high frequency energies to the basic wave cycle. This resonant entrainment also has the assignment to provide small scale impulse oscillating system feedback to offset the frictional dissipative constant as deduced from the phase plane logarithmic decrement attending known frictional system dissipation. Additionally, by providing pressure gradient tailoring through traveling wave tail flexion 82, low friction and steady laminar flow actuating plane predictabilities are maintained.

[0564] To illustrate these methods, I thus summarize the concept of the Meta-Element:

[0565] 1—It is a non-physical expression of time series statistical dynamic flow contours and as such is deemed to have no mass; It contains parameters of waveform, phase rate-of-change, as well as a coefficient of drag that is designed by these procedures to be ‘negative’, i.e. that thus provides minute thrust.

[0566] 2—As it has no mass, its motions are not limited to those waveforms generating Simple Harmonic Motion. It can additionally grow, metamorphose, shrink, reverse, and disappear.

[0567] 3—As it is defined by the dynamic flow of the effective plane of Meta-Element actuation, it can be made to disappear as well as reappear to this flow, as well as pass through another Meta-Element.

[0568] Similar to a “blade element”, the Meta-Element contains certain parameters necessary to calculate the force coefficients—including the requisite compensatory recovery section pressure gradient—necessary to be able to substitute for the conventional ‘Blade Element’. This allows it to act as input for time invariant tools of fluid dynamic analysis for subsequent conventional calculation of pressure gradients and forces.

[0569] The Meta-Element thus is seen to form an indispensable link between the time-related physics of wave phenomena and the tools of fluid dynamics, whose methods operate on idealized Euclidean solids and generally linear forces and linear momentum that generally dispenses with macro-scale time based phenomena.

[0570] The methodology encompassing these parameters of influence is depicted in the flowchart of FIG. 12. These methods confer the following unusual features on devices resulting from these methods: Meta- Propeller Undulate Element Device Device Device Device Wave Equation time N/a None Yes parameterization Phase Lock, feedback N/a None Yes Oscillator System time N/a None Yes Parameterization Boundary layer control None None Yes Pressure Distribution Uneven Uneven Even Reversal Vortex Recovery N/a None Yes Momentum transfer mechanism Actuator Actuator Actuator disc disc volume Disc Array Axial Pro-, retrogression N/a None Yes Lift to Dra9 ratio Moderate Moderate High Boundary Layer Turbulent Turbulent Laminar Wake Flow Pattern Helical Undulating Steady axial rotation central flow Wake Vortex Type Heavy tip Karman Attenuated vortex Vortex vorticity street Inflow tube High Moderate Inflow contraction/expansion funneling Efficiency Moderate Moderate Improved

[0571]FIG. 13 shows the benefit of Meta-Element axial progression in a comparison of wind generators of equal diameter—but unequal cost—. As the dynamic forces acting upon surfaces vary with the square of velocity, a forward component of motion 87 can be seen to provide substantially greater Soliton/Meta-Element apparent wind forces by reason of the vector addition of relative velocities. This additionally benefits the orientation of the resultant forces by maximizing torque and minimizing downwind drag.

[0572] As the momentum equation governing propeller-device efficiency expresses the highest efficiency as the smallest possible momentum change over the greatest possible effective actuator disc area 90, it predicts high efficiency for the proposed devices, as their actuator device is not a single—high-drag—disc but an infinity of annuli 92 enclosed by an aerodynamically well-shaped ‘volume’ of actuation 94 thus imparting very small momentum changes over a greater total area.

[0573] As seen above, the resultant force of the Meta-Element forward motion shifts the velocity augmented force vectors forward as a result of the increased apparent inflow vectors compared to a conventional turbine's geometrically confined disc of actuation 88 which simultaneously operates on a relatively smaller volume of air.

[0574] The following table summarizes the schematic features of wind generators employing these features. Conventional Undulating Proposed Device Turbine Turbine Turbine Angle of attack Radius variant Phase, time Low variations variant Circulation Yes Phase, time Even constancy variant Pressure Tip loaded Center loaded Even Distribution Meta-Element N/a None Forward Axial Progression Apparent wind N/a None Substantial Augmentation Inflow Inflow tube N/a Inflow Funneling expansion convergence Yaw axis No resistance N/a Active Yaw Inflow control stabilization Momentum N/a None Elastic Rebound conservation Recovery Boundary Layer N/a None Yes Scavenging Momentum Actuator disc Actuator disc Actuator volume transfer Disc array Downwind High Moderate Low force/torque Effectiveness in Low Low High Low wind Cost Efficiency Moderate Moderate High

Water Propeller—Detailed Description

[0575] Based on the foregoing methods and strategies implied by the Meta-Element interaction with the reference datum plane, I now detail the design process resulting in the manufacture of a water propeller.

[0576] Having chosen a waveform that assures substantially linear inflow paths, the design of the proposed inventive water propulsion device follows a sequence of steps to arrive at a design conforming to the desired specification.

[0577] Such conventional specifications might include—but not be limited to—the following:

[0578] Diameter

[0579] Angular velocity

[0580] Advance Ratio/Pitch

[0581] Area

[0582] Meta-Element Axial Retrogression

[0583] Desired Profile

[0584] Boundary Layer Interactions

[0585] Hub Geometry

[0586] Torque

[0587] Slip ratio

[0588] Anticipated dynamic forces

[0589] Now the waveform and actuation plane stability factors of FIG. 12 are determined. When these are ascertained, the multi-loop iterative design recursion FIG. 12 begins with these steps:

[0590] 1. Based on the desired diameter, area and hub diameter and length, the anticipated dynamic forces, the radial limits of the annulus of rotation, as well as Meta-Element retrogression are determined to result in a Archimedes Spiral I Screw two dimensional wave form.

[0591] 2. Based on the annulus and torque/slip ratio the number of lobes are ascertained

[0592] 3. Based on this, the Meta-Element foil selection as to chord length and foil shape is made and the representation of this foil as well as its mean chord is stored as a collection of data points.

[0593] 4. The waveform is now represented as a polynomial equation or a collection of data points. The incidence and path wave differential angles are now calculated.

[0594] 5. Based on anticipated system dissipation, the logarithmic decrement of the transverse harmonic motion parabolic envelope of tail flexion maxima is chosen.

[0595] 6. Based on anticipated local flow velocities on the foil suction side the wavelength gradient of the traveling spiral tail corrugation is chosen to effect boundary layer transport.

[0596] Detailed Process of Coordinate Transformations

[0597] 1. The Cartesian coordinate plane is now locally transformed to conform to known and anticipated particle acceleration vectors. This involves a parabolic function that assumes exponential acceleration of fluid in the torus of actuation as determined by the parameters of the momentum theory. This topologically ‘stretches’ the time axis variably depending on radius and hub geometry into ‘canonical’ coordinate variants referenced back to the Cartesian co-ordinate plane.

[0598] 2. The mapping of the foil mean chord starts at the inboard phase angle of the time axis and comprises matrix transformations using coordinate corrections on the Meta-Element mean chord data points.

[0599] 3. With mean chord data points established, the envelope contour is recreated by the polar ray distances and tangents associated with the local chord data point.

[0600] 4. This is repeated for every desired phase angle increment with the exception of the starting and reversal vortex sequence, which are created by a process of phased interpolations between the phase states to be connected.

[0601] 5. Now the traveling spiral envelope distortion is designed with its wavelength and amplitude gradient and sampled at the same—acceleration corrected—time axis period as the original phase angle increment.

[0602] 6. These phase fragments are superimposed by matrix addition—or their functional equivalents—on the envelope data co-ordinates.

[0603] 7. Single fluid particle oriented element sequences of this new matrix are now sequentially transformed to acceleration corrected single helical elements using matrix polar and linear transformations and resulting in a new matrix with the previously missing third coordinate. These are rotated by the local incremental phase value of angular velocity.

[0604] 8. The resulting helical elements are analyzed for viscosity and incremental drag and this integrated value is used for system dissipative constant.

[0605] 9. This database is now duplicated in the desired angular increment to result in the desired number of lobes.

[0606] 10. Total force integrations can now be made, ascertaining lift by transferring Meta-Element dynamic forces to the tangent of inclination of local surfaces. Wake rotation and effective actuating plane is similarly determined and varied by sweep and tail flexion in an iterative recursion.

[0607] 11. When the above calculus of variation is complete, the completed data points are suitably smoothed by interpolation via the use of a cubic spline or other means. They are then provided a suitable hub attachment and subsequently machined by CNC mill.

[0608] 12. If there is no axial retrogression, all data points parallel to the rotational plane can be separated out in the specified increments to conform to the desired material thickness to be used in later laser cut layers of the blade. This involves the additional step of connecting the inner and outer envelope data points by means of a cubic spline curve—or other means—as well as mapping the separate keyed hub layer with its connecting support spokes to the inner nodal points of each propulsive element layer.

[0609] 13. In case of axial variance this former method is varied to result in a 3-dimension section plane substantially parallel and normal to the leading edge that is used to section the database into convenient layers that can contain structural recesses contributing to strength per weight as shown in FIG. 23, or act as an air plenum for later introduction of laser-cut surface orifices enabling friction reducing minute air entrainment 115.

[0610] 14. This is repeated for all layers until the complete propulsive element data points including hub and support structure exists as a data base.

[0611] 15. Low volume manufacture of this device could consist of CNC controlled laser cutting of all keyed layers, then sliding them onto their keyed hub, mounting them in a gantry, brazing them together in a foundry and finally powder coating the results with an abrasion resistive, low friction coating that eliminates all surface irregularities.

[0612] Given the flexibility of design using these methods, innumerable variations as to number of lobes, reversal variations and axial retrogression become possible. An example of such a propeller is shown in FIG. 14. The after-body corrugations—embodying the Meta-Element harmonic sub cycle—have been exaggerated to provide graphical clarity.

[0613]FIG. 14a shows a propeller displaying exponential axial retrogression on the Cartesian co-ordinate plane with the Meta-Element proceeding along a particle motion corrected path in a single direction.

[0614]FIG. 14b shows a propeller displaying linear axial retrogression with the Meta-Element changing ends at the radial limits and reversing orientation, as well as its direction of motion.

[0615] This additionally improves the propeller's resistance to foreign object fouling and also makes its shape less injurious to aquatic life.

[0616] Operation of Water Propeller

[0617] All Meta-Element-base devices operate in distinct phases depending on their angular velocity compared to their velocity of inflow:

[0618] An initial accelerating phase that sees mainly dynamic loading of the intermediating helical elements operating at high initial angles of attack. Since these elements are of fluid dynamically similar shapes and known parameter, unlike other wave device such as the previously described “undulating” device, this phase is thus—compared to other wave devices—more efficient.

[0619] The design operating phase, where design oscillating system parameters such as frequencies, capacitance and hysteresis come into system response range and where the relative vectors on the effective plane of actuation start to exceed the velocity vectors of helical motion. At this point, the dynamic flow field progressively ‘unloads’ the physical helical intermediaries until these experience substantial flow neutrality and occasion mainly their operating design parameter's viscous and form drag coefficients.

[0620] At its optimum design operating point, the Meta-Element device is devised to operate as a pure Archimedes Spiral-based wave device, phase locking wave orbit flows through its forced feedback mechanisms, having substantially eliminated the helical elements from involvement with dynamic force generation.

Wind Turbine—Detailed Description

[0621] Given the flexibility of design implicit in the Meta-Element, wind turbines may have many design variations that take advantage of the device's high torque to downwind force and structural qualities giving great resistance to centrifugal and other destabilizing forces:

[0622] 1. As shown in FIG. 15, turbines of unprecedented scale may be built of modular components loaded mostly in tension, using very light and efficient Meta-Element catenary half loops fixed upon rings of tubing stabilized by cable stays. Such a device, being relatively insensitive to gusting and directionally unstable inflow as well as tower shadow is self-aligning and thus does not need an aerodynamic anti-yaw device. It has a greatly expanded operating envelope, making sites of lower wind speed economically feasible, whereas its novel esthetic appeal and low noise footprint make it less objectionable for location in sites of higher population density.

[0623] 2. FIG. 18 shows a turbine deploying the actual power generating Meta-Element turbines 96 at the tip of long aerodynamic ‘blades’ that upon rotation have the sole purpose of generating the tangential aerodynamic forces that result in those high apparent wind velocities at the tip that enable cost-efficient generation of power in sites of very low average wind speeds. As these inner blades are lightly loaded, and do not transmit torque, they can be made of inexpensive nested tubular materials, rigid sheet leading edge cuff 98, tensioned trailing edge strip, and fabric envelope. Along with these blades, these inner hoop-outer hoop 99 counter-rotating elements contribute some of the tangential force necessary for this motion. Rather than driving a generator, these devices' intrinsic high angular velocity and high output makes possible the economic benefit, weight advantage and fail-safe operational simplicity of driving light scroll, or ‘Roots’ compressors or air pumps 100 that pressurize the tower as a storage plenum, and thus provide an inexpensive energy-leveling and energy-storage device. On a cost-benefit basis, this scheme may outweigh the moderate loss of nominal efficiency that accrues to compression vs. direct electrical generation and thus also allows a conveniently sited, accessible generator interface at ground level, especially suited to variable conditions of wind. As output power of any turbine varies as the third power, the ‘cube’ of the apparent wind speed, the Meta-Element computer simulation of tip elements of moderate 8′ radius, using inexpensive 40′ blades, predicts unprecedented cost benefit, compared to any other method of power generation, let alone by conventional wind turbine. Such a turbine has the advantage of low initial cost, low maintenance, infinite adjustability via electronically controlled servo loops, unprecedented cost-benefit in very low wind speeds and no need to curtail operation in high wind, as the turbine is progressively slowed via a simple blade feathering servo loop 102.

[0624] 3. The variant device shown on the left of FIG. 19 may be given additional apparent wind velocity using servo mechanics with a moveable surface 101 to induce and sustain a slow tower oscillation via submerged pendulum mass combined with an anchored, axially oriented buoyant cylinder. This would be a useful application in shallow coastal waters and could additionally serve as a navigational beacon in low visibility conditions. A series of such devices might supply pressurized air to a shore based air turbine powered generator.

[0625] 4. The variant devices shown in the middle and on the right of FIG. 19 achieve this higher apparent velocity by a meshed countervailing oscillation enabled by passive tuned spring mass balance 103, such motion entirely controlled by electronic servo loop activating either tail vane or feathering axis stepper motor control. Such installations would be useful in areas where any level of noise, or blade passage proximity might be objectionable. The device on the right shows how this arrangement might be used to evoke cultural themes that have demonstrated high public acceptance, such as the traditional Dutch windmill. This mechanism would be implemented using slow constant speed counter rotation against pairs of tuned compression springs incorporating stops that stores and returns angular momentum. The entire motion would be controlled by electronic servo loops.

Hydraulic Turbine System—Detailed Description

[0626] As the Meta-Element turbine is a device with the novel advantage of an unprecedented high order of lift to drag—or torque for downstream force—for a device of rotation—similar to the kind of efficiency advantage that a high performance sailplane displays when compared to the space shuttle—it is uniquely suited to exploit the vast potential kinetic energies of the world's very low velocity—2 feet per second or more—natural water flows.

[0627] Such energies—if truly exploitable on a sound economic basis and in an operationally simple and robust fashion—have the potential of satisfying the present level of the world's electrical power consumption many times over.

[0628] As the operation of iceboats and land yachts has shown, any device that generates—and benefits from—a pressure wave advancing against prevailing ambient inflow,—depending on its lift to drag ratio—can generate very high differential pressures from the enhanced apparent velocities. These can be several times the pressures possible from nominal ambient velocity as measured by the stationary observer.

[0629] As the resulting dynamic forces are related to these velocities exponentially—by the square of the velocity—even moderate ambient fluid speeds can be seen to generate significantly higher resulting forces.

[0630] As the Meta-Element turbine's detached pressure wave is expressly designed to advance against prevailing flow, this same phenomenon is used to advantage to extract energy from the flows of very low velocity prevailing in rivers, tidal flows and shore-bound incoming elliptical wave orbital flows.

[0631] Taking advantage of the recent revolutionary advances in power conditioning technologies and advanced polymers, the following low maintenance schemes of ultra-low environmental impact can provide significant point-of-use electrical power generation capacity and peak demand leveling through its built-in storage reservoir capacity, particularly in locations where electrical power infrastructure is undeveloped.

[0632] 1. As shown in FIG. 21, a Meta-Element turbine 105 is interposed between the flow of an intake close to the riverbank that empties into a Venturi tube based constriction exit in the high velocity flow of the central channel, which assists wastewater ejection via beneficial pressure gradients. The conduit for this flow is ordinary plastic sewer pipe. The exit is cast from concrete. Care is taken to prevent silting by a mixing foil cascade 104 benefiting pressure recovery and—if needed—a pulsating jet preventing downstream silt accumulation.

[0633] 2. FIG. 22 shows a variant of this scheme. A plastic conduit spanning at least 2 wavelengths in order to minimize displacement wave drag forces and aligned with prevailing wave motion, is anchored offshore at appropriate depths and provided with many self aligning Meta-Element turbine devices running in an anti-fouling protective plastic conduit Venturi-shaped duct, powering simple, fail-safe and redundant, high molecular weight injection molded plastic displacement pumps rotating around molded spherical bearings that feature one way plastic hinged flapper valves. In this way, both tidal directions can be used to pump this flow up to an onshore reservoir made of a banded vertical plastic pipe array of pleasing sculptural shape that feed the actual Meta-Element turbine shafted to the electrical generator. Wastewater flow can be assisted by a vented plenum 106 and a Venturi based bi-directional exit 108 similar to the variant of the previous drawing.

[0634] To Summarize the Benefits of the Meta-Element Hydraulic Turbine:

[0635] As a device exhibiting unexcelled values of lift-to-drag, and thus torque to downstream force, it functions superbly as a low-head hydraulic turbine. This opens the possibility of tapping the inexhaustible solar powered flows of the earth's water based weather cycle, at point-of-use, by small local increment, and without resort to expensive and ecologically disruptive dams. This can bring vast economic benefit particularly to areas of low levels of economic development and infrastructure with extremely low levels of incremental investment.

[0636] As a device of fixed geometry, built-in resistance to fouling and great simplicity, it is superbly able to exploit the corrosion and friction controlling capacities of modern high-density polymers.

[0637] Using such injection molded plastics in mass production, such devices—and their systems—promise to provide a cost-benefit that greatly exceeds that of even the Meta-Element wind turbine.

[0638] Additionally, as this estimate of operational cost-benefit is based on a very conservative computer model that has been validated by measurement of a functional prototype, this scheme provides a uniquely powerful and unprecedented economic argument for the adoption of methods that by their very nature are not only economically but also ecologically highly beneficial.

Air Propeller and Fan—Detailed Description

[0639] Using the same parameters of design as the aforementioned water propeller,—including Meta-Element Retrogression—the three-dimensional database of an air propeller is constructed by taking the design constraints of the relative preponderance of centrifugal and other dynamic forces into account. Thus the air propeller will incorporate lobes of close to centrifugal catenary curvature to minimize bending forces. It will additionally incorporate substantial Meta-Element boundary layer scavenging corrugations particularly in the outer reversal portions to minimize transonic buffet. In order to minimize mass, profiles become increasingly thin in the outboard sections. Such a propeller may take many forms and may additionally be controllable in pitch. FIG. 23 shows a fixed pitch 4-lobe embodiment of small axial retrogression using lightly loaded helically oriented inner supporting ‘spokes’ to support the actual propulsive element.

[0640] This arrangement can be varied using a larger spinner and 2 lobes with a linear hydraulic variable pitch mechanism 110 using blade axis feathering mechanism mounted in differentially twisting spinner disc stages 111 that upon coordinated differential rotation together with the feathering axis mechanism allow variable rotor orientation for constant speed operation. This method exploits the intrinsic torsional flexibility combined with superb resistance to bending as well as flutter and harmonic oscillation of the devices thin substantially centrifugal catenary half loops.

Compressor Element—Detailed Description

[0641] As with the air propeller, a major strategy of design of the compressor element emphasizes resistance to centrifugal and other dynamic forces. In the absence of inner loop counter rotation, considerations of stage sealing may need the addition of case supported axially oriented stators 112 in the shape of the half loop compressor element to prevent tangential flow and reversal in the tip area. This device's excellent suitability for weight-saving layer construction, diffusion bonding, and EDM post machining facilitates strength to weight optimization.

Turbine Element—Detailed Description

[0642] All design elements of design of the compressor element—except for substitution of Meta-Element Axial Progression—or Retrogression—are incorporated in the construction of the turbine element. Just as in the air turbine, due to the substantial tangential forces generated by the element orientation due to axial progression, inner loop counter rotation is greatly beneficial.

[0643] The major differences are in the use of materials that have greater thermal resistance as well as the built-in design of transpiration mass flow through the layered construction of the turbine element 114, which includes a plenum to facilitate the introduction of the cooling film. Stage sealing may be accomplished generally as in the compressor, or via a single substantial spiral, film-cooled tip extension 116—here exaggerated for clarity—riding in a mating casing depression.

[0644] This all too brief description is well aware of—and makes no small matter of—the many open questions thrown up by this format-constrained attempt to introduce a radically novel concept in a field as sophisticated and technically mature as the design of the modem gas turbine.

[0645] These unusual geometries undoubtedly introduce difficult technical challenges especially in regard to low and high-pressure compressor and turbine counter rotation, stator arrangement and tip sealing.

[0646] The predictions of substantial efficiency gains by the conservative Meta-Element computer model, as well as the considerable structural benefits of the centrifugal catenary shapes' intrinsic resistance to the major problem syndromes of present engineering practice may be sufficiently promising, however, to consider these additional benefits:

[0647] 1. Unusually high compressor efficiency gains through the optimizing of force vector, smooth non-pulsating diffusion, minimization of forward vectors using axial retrogression, allowing widened operating envelopes and flight speeds.

[0648] 2. Unusually low levels of noise, and significant reduction of specifically low attenuation noise radiation spectra. As compressor noise is a significant design constraint on aircraft operating close to population centers, this itself is a significant advantage.

[0649] 3. Unusual resistance to compressor stall and surge due to the novel feature of boundary layer control

[0650] 4. Should existing or modified geometries favor lower turbine inlet flow velocities, unusually high turbine efficiency gains through Meta-Element axial progression would permit substantially higher torque per given momentum change

[0651] 5. Higher turbine inlet temperature through the centrifugal catenary shape providing great resistance to bending forces, in turn allowing the use of thinner and fluid dynamically more efficient shapes of lower thermal mass that thus is easier to cool through transpiration flows.

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE OF INVENTION

[0652] Thus the reader will see that the methods of the hysteresis based Meta-Element time series as well as its resulting high lift to drag physical devices provide the venue to greatly improved cost-benefit for all axial flow devices.

[0653] While my above description contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of several preferred embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible.

[0654] For Example:

[0655] A highly cost efficient wind turbine generator able to generate significantly increased electrical power for a given financial investment in comparison to existing turbines through the proposed invention's extraordinary lift to drag ratio, cost-efficiency, built-in structural advantages, ease of construction, vector optimization, fluid momentum conservation, unprecedented size scalability, insensitivity to fluctuations of wind in velocity or direction or tower location, ease of output tailoring and feathering, and esthetic value as well as much lower noise levels.

[0656] A highly efficient water propeller of novel and cost efficient manufacture resistant to foreign object fouling, highly resistant to stall and cavitation, low hull interaction, as well as being relatively non-injurious due to its lack of exposed sharp blade edges.

[0657] A variable pitch air propeller of improved efficiency, tolerance for high subsonic velocities through its built-in boundary layer control, variable sweep and axial retrogression, of low noise and exceptional resistance to resonant oscillation, flutter and centrifugal forces, lower weight, built-in rigidity and high resistance to oscillation due to its very low natural frequency response; increased efficacy in the transonic region and exceptional quietness.

[0658] A gas or steam turbine compressor element of significantly improved efficiency, low noise level, with improved resistance to surge, stall, flutter, resistance to foreign object ingestion, and less weight.

[0659] A gas or steam turbine element with greatly improved efficiency, tolerance for higher turbine inlet temperatures through significantly decreased centrifugal, resonant and blade root loads and offering improved cooling through novel manufacture, offering improved transpiration mass—flow, and decreased turbine lag through its decreased mass

[0660] An annular wing that combines the function of thrust and lift, contributing to lift by simple inclination to the axis of flight, of superior lift to drag ratio, of very light weight through the use of centrifugal catenary structural shapes.

[0661] An annular hydrofoil that additionally combine the function of thrust and lift, of superior lift to drag ratio, very light weight through the use of centrifugal catenary structural shapes, very high resistance to foreign object fouling.

[0662] A ‘sail’ that combines the functions of delivery of torque for propulsion and side force due to its superior lift to drag ratio, very light weight through the use of centrifugal catenary structural shapes, easy variation of output and built-in reef ability, and ability to allow progress directly into prevailing wind direction at greater than wind speed.

[0663] Any other devices that accelerate or decelerate flow and can additionally benefit from the ease and low cost of low volume manufacture implicit in the computer aided design and manufacture of the proposed invention.

[0664] Accordingly, the scope of the invention should not be determined by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 

We claim:
 1. A method of increasing the energy efficiency of impellers and turbines by enhancing the pressure differentials attending the surfaces of said devices through resonantly engendered pressure waves traveling at those requisite axial-plane-oriented velocity vectors as to beneficially accompany said surfaces progressively sliding through the planes of wave propagation, by so varying such means as: oscillation hysteresis, pressure gradient along said surfaces and lubricity-enabled axial-plane-shear, that result from the rotation of rotor segments embodying such means, and that are affixed at angular and axially variant locations upon a hub, as can achieve useful changes of energy state in the axial-plane fluid mass motion, whereby an enhanced exchange of rotative energy with linear axial momentum change can be achieved in said interacting fluid oscillating system, comprising: (a) means of rotating time rate-of-change phase sequences of axial-plane-oriented soliton meta-element serial phase fragments embodied in said rotor segments through axial and radial co-ordinate variations on the effective plane-of-actuation of said inflow (b) second means of resonantly reconstituting all higher harmonic wave components of smaller than meta-element wavelength lost as a consequence of physical element passage (c) third means of modifying the rotative twist imparted to mass axial flow due to shear drag engendered angular momentum so as to maintain a stable orientation and phase synchrony of said collective shear angle of interaction in respect to inflow by a combination of: (1) shaping the meta-element tail exponentially expanding envelope of harmonic wave component amplitude maxima to achieve energy parity with local viscous dissipation and (2) adjusting harmonic component wavelength and frequency to create hysteresis parameter traveling pressure wave pulses to eject stagnant fluid accumulations via rearward acceleration (d) fourth means of adjusting the Fourier Expansion Series of the desired compound periodic waves to result in such composition and shape that enable substantially constant operating angles between the Meta-Element harmonic statistical mean chord and the ambient axial plane phased inflow (e) fifth means of causing such wave fronts to propagate toward—or away from—the direction of axial ambient flow by adjusting wavelength and co-ordinates of successive phase fragment passage on the effective axial plane to create meta-element virtual motion free from the constraint to parallel the plane of rotation (f) sixth means of recovering oscillating system potential energy via additional frequency and wavelength adjustment so that some of the pre-existing potential kinetic energy of oscillation of the incoming flow is recovered through the correct phasing of successive rotor segment passage whereby devices employing such means derive high levels of useful energy exchanges at the cost of low expenditures of drag and noise.
 2. A method of inducing, sustaining, and deriving useful kinetic energy interchanges from axial-plane-polarized fluid particle orbital flows of fluid oscillating systems of axially translating compound periodic pressure waves, using the intermediation of fluid lubricity, hysteresis and rotation of rotor segments of substantially centrifugal catenary curvature attached at angular and axial variance to a hub, and embodying a plurality of time-series shape-progressions, to achieve the heretofore-described process of coherent soliton meta-element flow, in order to derive or impart rotative or linear kinetic energy in beneficial interchange, comprising: (a) means of rotating timed sequences of axial-plane-oriented soliton meta-element serial phase fragments through the effective axial plane of actuation of said inflow (b) means of reconstituting all higher harmonic wave components of smaller than meta-element wavelength lost as a consequence of physical resonator element passage (c) further means of modifying the rotative twist due to shear drag angular momentum so imparted to mass axial flow as to maintain a stable orientation and phase synchrony of said meta-element shear angle of interaction in respect to inflow by a combination of: (1) shaping the meta-element tail exponentially expanding envelope of amplitude maxima to achieve energy parity with local viscous dissipation and (2) adjusting harmonic component wavelength and frequency to create hysteresis parameter traveling pressure wave pulses to remove stagnant fluid accumulations (d) further means of causing such wave fronts to propagate toward—or away from—the direction of axial ambient flow by adjusting meta-element phase fragment wavelength and passage through the successive co-ordinates of the effective axial plane to create meta-element virtual motion not constrained to parallel the plane of rotation (e) further means of causing a simultaneous collective meta-element interaction with the total volume engaging the collective oscillating system via frequency and wavelength adjustment so that some of the pre-existing kinetic potential energy of oscillation of incoming flows is recovered through successive rotor segment passage whereby devices employing such means demonstrate high levels of useful rotative or linear energy at the expenditure of low levels of drag and noise.
 3. A method of inducing, sustaining, and deriving or imparting rotative or linear kinetic energy from, or within, the fluid particle integral orbital flows of axial-plane-polarized fluid oscillating systems of compound waveform, using the rotation of, and lubricity surrounding, rotor segments of substantially centrifugal catenary form attached at angular and axial variance to a hub, embodying a plurality of hysteresis-parameter resonator shape-progressions, to achieve the heretofore-described coherent soliton meta-element flow process through means comprising: (a) a major wave-cycle-inducing cam of such curvature as to enable it to transform said constant angular velocity of rotation into a resulting cam-following integral fluid particle orbit motion of axial-plane-polarized pressure waves propagating at substantially constant linear velocity substantially along the planes of ambient inflow direction, whereby it can influence and sustain said wave's integral orbital flow by providing: (1) temporal axial plane topology-corrected motion correspondence and synchrony with said orbital flows of said wave form so entrained, as well as (2) forced major cycle wave orbit phase-lock pulse entraining major cycle oscillation synchrony through energy feedback (b) a plurality of harmonic sub-component wave series superimposed upon said major cycle enabled through axial-plane-passage of a cascade of helix-oriented serial resonator embodiments affixed upon said cam and of such temporal, morphological, and co-ordinate serial rate-of-change variations that upon said progressive passage causes said hysteresis-bound axial mass flow to forcefully divide and accelerate around said process of axial-plane resonator-embodiment substitution without deviating substantially from axial planar alignment, by means enabling it to: (1) sustain the oscillating system through kinetic energy conservation via harmonic component force feedback and minor cycle phase lock, (2) modify out-of-plane tangential friction via ejection of boundary layer accumulations through an after-body hysteresis-enabled traveling pressure wave (c) a plurality of said catenary segments embodying said means to sustain said hysteresis-based Meta-Element processes, each transmitting or receiving physical differential pressures that act upon the physical surfaces of said segments to result in useful changes in rotative energy, or fluid linear momentum, arrayed around a hub in such a manner as to achieve force and phase synergy (d) means to attach said plurality above to an axle able to transmit or receive rotative energy. whereby devices employing such means can exact high levels of useful rotative or linear energy state change at the expenditure of low levels of drag and noise.
 4. A method of using the intermediation of vector-shear-masking fluid lubricity, flow hysteresis and rotation of rotor segments of substantially centrifugal catenary curvature attached at angular and axial variance to a hub to achieve the heretofore-described process of coherent soliton meta-element flow by means of detaching orbital particle motion of wave systems in fluid from planes normal to the collocated underlying singular fluid dynamic surface of spiral based devices comprising: (a) means of modifying the momentum changes due to angular vector-shear drag distorting the plane of actuation through means of energy import to the Meta-Element tail in the form of a traveling pressure wave of such frequency as to exceed system hysteresis-based frequency response lag time and of such values of amplitude and wavelength as to provide a variable parameter of influence (b) means of stabilizing this effective shear plane of actuation through variation of the following tangential dynamic forces: (1) variation of sweepback angle to affect inflow via out-of-plane pressure gradients (2) variation of angle of harmonic tail flexion neutral axis relative to the axial plane (3) variations of such influence as may be achieved by differential admixtures of said variations as specified by a calculus of variation. whereby devices employing such means demonstrate high levels of useful rotative or linear energy with the expenditure of low levels of drag and noise.
 5. A method of boundary layer control using the method of claim 3, employing the soliton meta-element entraining a periodic wave generated by Archimedes Spiral segments containing a plurality of high order integral multiple harmonic wave components that may or may not be varied in amplitude and wavelength upon the basic wave form above to create a traveling spiral chordwise wave particularly upon the tail section of this body.
 6. An axial flow device of manufacture able to entrain and sustain axial-plane-oriented pressure oscillations in mass axial flow and to derive or impart rotative or linear kinetic energy from, or within, the fluid particle orbital flows thereof, using the intermediation of rotation of, and fluid lubricity and flow hysteresis attendant to, rotor segments of substantially centrifugal catenary form, attached at angular and axial variance to a hub, so as to achieve a coherent soliton meta-element flow process through means comprising: (e) a major-wave-cycle-inducing cam of such curvature as to enable it to transform constant angular velocity of rotation into a resulting cam-following space-quadrature-polarized constant linear velocity of waves propagating along desired directions on any axial reference plane, so as to benefit from the kinetic potential and vector of integral orbital flow of said waves by means of: (1) temporal axial-plane-topology-oriented motion correspondence and synchrony with said orbital flows of said wave form so entrained, as well as (2) forced major cycle wave orbit phase-lock pulse entraining oscillation synchrony and feedback energy (f) a harmonic sub-component wave entraining series of helix-oriented serial resonator embodying cycle superimposed upon said major cycle and affixed upon said cam and of such temporal, morphological, and co-ordinate sequential variation that can, upon passage through said axial plane, cause said hysteresis-bound axially aligned flow to forcefully divide and accelerate around said cascade without deviating substantially from axial planar alignment, as well as having additional means enabling it to: (1) sustain the oscillating system through kinetic energy conservation via force feedback and minor cycle phase lock, (2) modify out-of-plane tangential friction via ejection of boundary layer accumulations through an hysteresis-enabled after-body traveling pressure wave (g) a plurality of said cams and resonator series embodied in said catenary segments entraining said hysteresis-based Meta-Element processes, each transmitting or receiving physical pressures that act upon the physical surfaces of said segments to result in changes in rotative energy, is arrayed around a hub and attached thereto in a manner so as to achieve phase synergy. (h) means to attach said plurality above to an axle able to transmit or receive rotative energy. 